Topical Encyclopedia
The Book of Baruch is a deuterocanonical text, traditionally attributed to Baruch, the secretary of the prophet Jeremiah. It is included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but is not part of the Hebrew Bible. The book is recognized as canonical by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, while it is considered apocryphal by most Protestant traditions.
Authorship and DateThe text is attributed to Baruch, the son of Neriah, who served as the scribe and close companion of the prophet Jeremiah. The historical Baruch lived during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a period marked by the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. However, the actual composition of the book is believed to have occurred much later, possibly in the 2nd century BC, reflecting a post-exilic context.
Structure and ContentThe Book of Baruch is composed of five chapters, which can be divided into distinct sections:
1.
Introduction and Historical Context (Baruch 1:1-14): The book opens with a narrative setting, describing how Baruch wrote the text in Babylon during the exile. It includes a letter sent to Jerusalem, urging the people to pray for the Babylonian king and his son.
2.
Confession of Sins and Prayer for Deliverance (Baruch 1:15-3:8): This section contains a confession of the sins of Israel, acknowledging the justice of God's punishment. It includes a heartfelt prayer for mercy and deliverance, expressing hope for restoration.
3.
Praise of Wisdom (Baruch 3:9-4:4): The text shifts to a poetic reflection on the nature of wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom is found in the commandments of God. It calls the people to return to the law and embrace the wisdom that comes from God.
4.
Encouragement and Consolation (Baruch 4:5-5:9): The final section offers words of comfort and hope to the exiled community. It assures them of God's enduring love and promises future restoration and glory for Jerusalem.
Theological ThemesThe Book of Baruch emphasizes several key theological themes:
·
Repentance and Confession: The text underscores the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's forgiveness. It reflects a deep sense of communal repentance, recognizing the collective failures of the people.
·
Divine Justice and Mercy: Baruch presents a balanced view of God's character, highlighting both His justice in punishing sin and His mercy in offering hope for redemption.
·
Wisdom and the Law: The book extols the value of divine wisdom, which is closely associated with adherence to God's law. It calls the people to seek wisdom as a means of aligning themselves with God's will.
·
Hope and Restoration: Despite the present suffering of exile, Baruch offers a message of hope, assuring the people of God's future intervention and the restoration of Jerusalem.
Canonical Status and UsageWhile not included in the Jewish or Protestant canons, the Book of Baruch holds a significant place in the liturgical and theological traditions of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. It is often read during liturgical services and is valued for its spiritual insights and encouragement to remain faithful to God amidst trials.
QuotationsThe Berean Standard Bible does not include the Book of Baruch, as it is not part of the Protestant canon. However, the themes and messages of Baruch resonate with the broader biblical narrative, particularly in its calls for repentance, wisdom, and hope in God's promises.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Book Of BaruchOne of the apocryphal books of the Old Testament. The book was held in little esteem by the Jews, and both its date and authorship are very uncertain.
Library
Oath Used by the Justinian Heretics; theBook ofBaruch; the...
...Book V. Chapter XXII."Oath Used by the Justinian Heretics; TheBook of
Baruch; The Repertory of Their System. Hence [594] also...
The Justinian Heresy Unfolded in the "Book ofBaruch. "
...Book V. Chapter XIX."The Justinian Heresy Unfolded in the "Book ofBaruch.".
But swear, says Justinus, if you wish to know "what...
The Writing of an AncientBook
... words of Jehovah, he went down to the palace, where all the court officials were
sitting, and told them all that he had heard whenBaruch read thebook to the...
The Apocalypse ofBaruch.
... In addition to theBook ofBaruch, a translation of which is contained in the Apocrypha
of our English Bibles, there had from old time been known to exist a...
He Corroborates this Statement by the Authority of the Old...
... xii. c. 43): and in the LXX. version thebook ofBaruch is placed among the works
of Jeremiah, eg, In both the Vatican and Alexandrine mss....
The Man and theBook.
... If such a Roll as the second existed in the care ofBaruch then the use of it in
the compilation of ourBook of Jeremiah is extremely probable, and the...
He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be...
... [4770] The long quotation following is not found in Jeremiah, but in the apocryphal
book ofBaruch iv. 36, etc., and the whole ofBaruch v....
The Refutation of All Heresies
... Chapter XVIII.--The System of Justinus Antiscriptural and Essentially Pagan. Chapter
XIX.--The Justinian Heresy Unfolded in the "Book ofBaruch."....
Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets...
... [623] This quotation is from the apocryphalbook ofBaruch iii. 35-37, which is
sometimes spoken of as thebook of JeremiahBaruch. [624] Psalm 45:6, 7....
The Lot and Inheritance of virginity.
... The apocryphalbook ofBaruch, as bearing the name of the companion of Jeremiah,
was usually quoted, in the second and third centuries, as the work of that...
Resources
What is the Book of Jasher and should it be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference between the book of life and the Lamb's book of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Book of Giants? | GotQuestions.orgBook: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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