1 This is the word Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote these words on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:

2 Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning you, Baruch: 3 “You said, ‘Alas for me! The LORD has added grief to my pain. I am weary with my sighing and have found no rest.’ ”

4 Say this to him: “Thus says the LORD: Look, what I built I am tearing down, and what I planted I am uprooting—the whole land. 5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For look, I am bringing disaster on all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as plunder in every place you go.”