1. In the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah, Jeremiah the prophet spoke these things to Baruch son of Neriah. Baruch wrote them on a scroll. This is what Jeremiah said to Baruch:
2. “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you:
3. ‘Baruch, you have said, “It is very bad for me. The Lord has given me sorrow along with my pain. I am very tired. I am worn out because of my suffering. I cannot find rest.”
4. Jeremiah, tell Baruch that this is what the Lord says: I will tear down what I have built, and I will pull up what I have planted. I will do that everywhere in Judah.
5. Baruch, you are looking for great things for yourself. Don’t look for them, because I will make terrible things happen to all the people.’ This is what the Lord said. ‘You will have to go many places. But I will let you escape alive wherever you go.’”