“The book of Baruch is a liturgy of the return, a confession that becomes the memory of the sin in hope of redemption.”
— Claude Tresmontant, philosopher and hebraist French
FULL STUDY of THE BOOK OF BARUCH (Including the Letter of Jeremiah)
1. General context and authorship
The Book of Baruch belongs to the group of the deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament. It is included in the Bibles, catholic and orthodox, but not in the Hebrew canon, and most of the Bibles are protestant.
Its name comes from Baruch, son of Neriah, secretary and disciple of the prophet Jeremiah (cf. Jeremiah 36:4). According to tradition, Baruch would have written and compiled this text in the exile of Babylon, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem in the year 586 a.C.
However, the critical studies indicate that the work was composed centuries afterprobably among the centuries II and I to.C.during the hellenistic period, by jewish authors who wrote in Hebrew and then it was translated to Greek for inclusion in the Septuagint (LXX).
2. Structure of the book
The book of Baruch has five chapters in its original form and a sixth chapter that corresponds to the Epistle of Jeremiah.
Its literary structure is an anthology of theological, poetic texts, faith and wisdom:
| Chapter | Main content | Literary genre |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1-14 | Historical introduction: Baruch reads the letter in Babylon | Narrative |
| 1:15-3:8 | Confession national and supplication for forgiveness | Prayer of penitence |
| 3:9-4:4 | Hymn to the divine Wisdom | Poetry-wise |
| 4:5-5:9 | Comfort and hope to Jerusalem | Poetic-prophetic |
| 6:1-73 | Epistle of Jeremiah: condemnation of idolatry | Letter didactic |
3. The central theme and theological message
The main theme is the atonement and restoration of the people of Israel after the punishment of exile. It is structured around three key ideas:
(a) The sin and disobedience
Israel recognizes that his suffering is the consequence of disobeying the Law and abandoned the divine wisdom.
“We have sinned against the Lord, our God, and we do not listen to your voice” (Baruch 1:17).
(b) The mercy and faithfulness of God
Despite the infidelity human, God remains faithful to his covenant. Your justice is inseparable from his mercy.
“Because you are the Lord our God, and praise thee, Lord, our Savior” (Baruch 3:7).
c) wisdom as the way of salvation
Wisdom is presented as the manifestation of the divine Lawlinking salvation is to return to the Torah.
“This is the wisdom and the law that exists for ever: all they that keep it live” (Baruch 4:1).
4. Content and thematic analysis sections
I. historical Introduction (1:1-14)
The book opens with a historical note set in Babylon. The exiles collect offerings, and sent a letter to Jerusalem to intercede and ask for prayer. This introduction seeks to provide a prophetic authority and continuity with Jeremiah.
II. Confession and supplication national (1:15-3:8)
It is a long text penitential similar to Daniel 9. Recognises the collective guilt of the people and their need of redemption. Highlights of sincere repentance and the justice of God that punishes, but also forgives.
This section reflects the spirituality of the judaism pos-exílico, marked by prayer and reinterpretation theological suffering.
III. Hymn to the Wisdom (3:9-4:4)
One of the sections most beautiful and theologically deep. Wisdom is identified with the Law (Torah) and with the divine revelation. It establishes a bridge between the cosmic wisdom and the covenant of moses.
This passage will influence later in the writings of wisdom and in the christian theology of Logos (Wisdom embodied in Christ).
IV. Song of comfort to Jerusalem (4:5-5:9)
Jerusalem, represented as a mother of sorrowreceives comfort and hope. God promises the return of the children of exiles and the restoration of the glory of Zion.
The tone is prophetic and messianic: it heralds a future universal redemption.
“Arise, Jerusalem, and look toward the east: and see your children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of the Holy one” (Baruch 5:5).
5. The Epistle of Jeremiah (Chapter 6)
a) Introduction and nature of the text
The Epistle of Jeremiah it presents itself as a letter of the prophet Jeremiah addressed to the jews taken to Babylon, warning on the idolatry. In the christian tradition, is included as chapter 6 of the book of Baruch.
(b) Content
The text is a satire against the idols: describe in detail the images of gold, silver and wood worshiped by the babylonians, emphasizing his helplessness and human character.
Thematic structure:
- Initial warning: idols cannot save anyone (6:1-6).
- Description of the false gods: human works ornate, but without the life (6:7-29).
- Contrast between the living God and the dead idols (6:30-59).
- Conclusion: “No fear of them, because they are not gods” (6:60-73).
This text is a powerful theological treatise monotheistic. Reflects the controversy prophetic classic against idolatry (Isaiah 44, Psalm 115), and anticipates the theological rationalism of the later judaism.
6. Language, style and fonts
The book was originally composed in Hebrew or aramaicalthough the text preserved is of the Greek version.
It combines genres:
- Prayer of repentance, and liturgical
- Poems of wisdom
- Oracles prophetic
- Letter didactics (Epistle of Jeremiah)
Their language is redolent with echoes of Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah and the Psalms, which reinforces their sense of continuity with the prophetic.
7. Influence and interpretation later
In judaism
Although not part of the Hebrew canon, the thought of Baruch influences in the judaism, hellenistic and in apocalyptic literature. The figure of Baruch reappears in other texts such as the 2 Baruch (Apocalypse of Baruch), non-apocalyptic.
In christianity
Baruch was highly esteemed by the Fathers of the Church (Origen, Jerome, Augustine). Cited as part of the inspired scriptures in the councils of Carthage (397) and Trent (1546).
In the catholic liturgy, fragments of Baruch read in Advent and in the Easter Vigiltone of messianic hope.
8. Message spiritual and theological
- Conversion and loyalty: God always offers forgiveness to a people repented.
- Divine wisdom: The Law is not a mere statement, but a source of life and eternal wisdom.
- Eschatological hope: Jerusalem will be restored and glorified, has announced that the christianity you will see fulfilled in Christ and in the Church.
- Monotheism of ethics: The Epistle of Jeremiah highlights the futility of the worship of idols in front of the living God.
9. Value literary and theological
The Book of Baruch is a synthesis of prophecy, wisdom and liturgy. Its poetic beauty and depth doctrinal turn it into a jewel of biblical literature intertestamentaria.
It is, moreover, a a bridge between the Old and the New Testamentbetween the punishment of exile and messianic hope.
10. Conclusion
The Book of Baruch, with the Epistle of Jeremiah, represents a voice of faith in the midst of the exilea prayer for the national restoration and an affirmation of monotheism against the idolatry of the ancient world.
It is a so-called eternal to recognize that the true wisdom, freedom and liberty come from God and his Word.
