1 In the fourth year that Jehoiakim son of Josiah was king of Judah, Baruch wrote down what I had dictated to him. Then I told him
2 that the Lord, the God of Israel, had said, “Baruch,
3 you are saying, ‘I give up! The Lord has added sorrow to my troubles. I am worn out from groaning, and I can't find any rest!’
4 “But I, the Lord, am tearing down what I have built and pulling up what I have planted. I will do this to the entire earth.
5 Are you looking for special treatment for yourself? Don't do it. I am bringing disaster on the whole human race, but you will at least escape with your life wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken.”