In the dire times of Jeremiah, Baruch served as his scribe during an era marked by darkness and despair, far from wisdom or hope. Amidst the looming downfall of the king and the unfaithfulness of the people to God, the Jewish leadership perceived Baruch as a significant figure, a mover and shaker with influence over Jeremiah. They mistakenly viewed him as the force behind Jeremiah's words, rather than recognizing God's power. Baruch was likely more than a mere secretary, possessing high competence and poise, and perhaps holding a degree of prominence.

Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, was an intelligent and possibly prominent man born during the dire times of Judah's fall to the Babylonians. He expressed his discontent, as captured in Jeremiah 45:3: Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest. This complaint, relayed through God's recitation, may reflect Baruch's chronic grumbling, distilled by God into a concise expression of his unrest. In Jeremiah 36, clues emerge about the roots of Baruch's dissatisfaction. God puts things into perspective, revealing His intention to bring major change to the land, urging Baruch to heed the warnings he transcribed for Jeremiah and not underestimate the impending upheaval. Jerusalem would soon be in flames, and Baruch would witness it in ashes. Despite this, Baruch seemed focused on himself, seeking to aggrandize his position and gain great things during turbulent times. God directly addresses Baruch's ambitions, commanding him to stop seeking personal greatness. In Jeremiah 45:5, God promises Baruch his life as a prize in all places, wherever he goes, emphasizing His ability to preserve life amidst war and struggle. This promise implies that Baruch's life would be characterized by conflict and movement, not settled rest, and that while many would lose their lives, property, or freedom, God would safeguard Baruch's life. Though the rest Baruch desired would not come in this life, God motivates him to refocus on His work rather than personal fame.

To Baruch, who served as the prophet Jeremiah's scribe at the time of Judah's fall to the Babylonians, God delivered a stern message: But as for you, do you seek great things for yourself? Stop seeking! Driven by covetousness, Baruch was seeking great things for himself, prompting this rebuke from God. In the midst of judging the people of Judah, God reminded Baruch that He was breaking down what He had built and plucking up what He had planted across the whole land. Though God did not promise Baruch great things, He assured him protection in all places, wherever he would go. God's admonition to abandon desires for personal gain and to refocus on His work served as a pointed lesson for Baruch during those turbulent times.