Baruch the Prophet


Baruch pictured here with the prophet Jeremiah


"Fear not, Jerusalm! He who gave you your name is your encouragement! Fearful are those who harmed you who rejoiced at your downfall..."

-Baruch 4, 30- 31



The Life of Baruch

Baruch, the son of Nerias, was one of Judah's minor prophets. He was born near the end of the 6th century B.C. and is best known as the secratary of the great prophet Jeremiah. Baruch copied dowm several oracles dictated by Jeremiah which are contained within his book as well as the book carrying Jeremiah's name. In addition he is viewed by many as one of the early editors of the Bible.

In 587 B.C.E. the Chaldeans, commanded by Nebucezzar invaded and conquered the southern kingdom of Judah. Baruch remained in Jerusalem for several years and preached to the Diaspora. When Jerusalem was burned in 599 B.C.E. Baruch followed his mentor Jeremiah and fled to Egypt.

It is thought that Baruch died in Egypt. There are conflictiong opinions on this but no date of death is known. However it occured sometime in the early 5th century B.C.


Influence of Life:

Baruch offered hope to the people of Judah during their darkest hour. In giving hope to the displaced Judahites, Baruch played a key role in keeping the faith community together. Without his inspiration the faith could have been lost and people may have given up. Would we be the same today?

Etymology- The name Baruch means "Blessed by Yeweah"


Baruch the Book

Outline:

Introduction

I. Prayer of the Exiles (1,1-3,8)

II. Praise in Wisdom in the Law of Moses (3,9-4,4)

III. Jerusalem bewails and consols her captive Children (4,5-29)

IV. Jerusalen Consoled (4, 30-5,9)

The Letter of Jeremah against Idolotry (6, 1-72)

Introduction:

The Introduction to the book of Baruch offers a commonly shared conclusion that Baruch is not the author of the Book. It comes from several sources and was composed in two different languages(Greek and Hebrew. In addition chapters one and six of Baruch are writen in prose and the other chapters poetic form.

Although Baruch may not have written the book that bears his name he still holds a large role in the development of the Bible. He was first of all the secretary of a great prophet and more significantly is seen by many as one of the Bible's first editors.

Content:

The Book is a key source of compfort and hope for the remnant or Diaspora community of jews exiled in Babylonian Captivity. It would be read in public and spoke of God saving the people and the destroyed Jerusalem returning in full glory. The book as a whole brought hope to all those in exile.


Baruch Quiz

  1. Whom did Baruch serve as a secretary to?


  2. In what year did the Chaldeans conquer Judah?


  3. Who was the audience of Baruch's book and his public readings of the book?


  4. BonusWhat is the etymology of Baruch's name?




Answers


Sources

Ellis, Peter F.. Collegeville Bible Comentary: Jeremiah, Baruch.Collegeville, MN:The Kiturgical Press, 1986.

New Catholic Encyclopedia, 2003 ed., s.v. "Baruch"

The New American Bible, 1970ed.

Elliot, Francis G. The Catholic Encyclopedia [enclyclopedia online]. Ney York: Robert Appleton Co., 1907, accessed 3 April 2008; available from: http://newadvent.org/cathen/02319c.htm


This site is the creation of Nicholas Fandos for a Freshman Theology Class at St. Louis Univercity High School

Contact me for any Comments or Corrections

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