1 This is the message that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch, son of Neriah. Baruch wrote these things on a scroll book as Jeremiah dictated them during the fourth year that Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, was king of Judah. Jeremiah said:
2 »This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says to you, Baruch:
3 You said: »I am so miserable! Jehovah has added grief to my pain. I am worn out from groaning. I cannot find any rest.«
4 »Say this to Baruch: This is what Jehovah says: »I will tear down what I have built. I will uproot what I have planted throughout the earth.
5 »Are you looking for great things for yourself? Do not look for them.« »I am going to bring disaster on all people!« Declares Jehovah, »But wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.«