Jeremiah 45

1 This is what Jeremiah the prophet told Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote out on a scroll these messages that Jeremiah dictated. (This happened in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah.)

The message that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a scroll at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying,

2 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:

"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch:

3 You've been complaining, saying, “I'm in so much trouble because the Lord has given me sorrow to make my pain worse! I've worn myself out with my groans. I can't get any relief.”

'You said, "Woe is me now. For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest."'"

4 This is what Jeremiah was told to say to Baruch: This is what the Lord says: Across the whole country I'm going to tear down what I have built and uproot what I have planted.

"You shall tell him, 'Thus says the LORD: "Look, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up; and this in the whole land.

5 So in your case, do you think you'll get special treatment? Stop looking for something like that! I'm going to bring disaster down on every living thing, declares the Lord. However, I promise you that your reward will be that you will continue living, wherever you go.

Do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for, look, I will bring disaster on all flesh, says the LORD; but your life will I give to you for a reward in all places where you go."'"