Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch the Word of the Lord. Once the Scripture had been read to the general population and to the princes, it was determined that the king needed to hear the words of the Book. Note three things.
1. THE WORD REPEATED, VERSES 20-22. Jehudi read the Scripture to the king and the princes. The portion he read threatened judgment upon all who continued in rebellion against God. It promised life to those who repented of their wickedness and worshiped Him through the proper sacrifice.
2. THE WORD REJECTED, VERSES 23-26. After reading the Word of the Lord, Jehudi cut the scroll in pieces with his pen knife and cast it into a fire. These actions were taken upon the command of the king, but over the objections of three princes.
3. THE WORD RESTATED, VERSES 27-32. Cutting the Word and casting it into a fire was a vain attempt on the part of the king to frustrate the purpose of God. The Lord has said concerning His Word, "It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please" (Isaiah 55:11). The Lord gave the same Scripture to Jeremiah again, with additional passages, which were dictated to Baruch who wrote them in a book.