1 In the fourth year of Judah’s King Jehoiakim, Josiah’s son, Baruch was writing in a scroll the words that Jeremiah was dictating to him. Jeremiah the prophet told Baruch, Neriah’s son:
2 This is what the Lord the God of Israel proclaims about you, Baruch:
3 You have said, "I can’t take it anymore! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I’m worn out from groaning and can find no rest."
4 This is what you should say to him: "The Lord proclaims: I’m breaking down everything I have built up. I’m digging up that which I have planted—the entire land.
5 You seek great things for yourself, but don’t bother. I’m bringing disaster on all humanity, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life."