Baruch

Introduction

The Book of Baruch was among the last books of the Scriptures to be written. It was written during the last century before Christ, in one of the Jewish communities outside of Palestine.

It includes several texts helpful to the dispersed Jews:

– a “prayer of the exiles” which intensified their longing for the Holy Land;

– a beautiful poem about wisdom (3:9–4:4);

– several texts inspired by the prophets of the exile;

– a “letter from Jeremiah” which is a controversial text against idols (Bar 6).

Because it included some paragraphs written in Jeremiah’s style, it was attributed to Baruch, the prophet’s secretary (see Jer 36).

3.9 This poem is inspired by Chapter 28 of Job.

The author addresses believers who are very impressed by the culture and material wealth of the pagans among whom they live. He reminds them that authentic human wisdom is not mere technical knowledge, nor is it the art of making money or pure human reflection. Wisdom consists in knowing what is God’s plan in creating this world. What does God ask of humankind?

For Jewish believers, true wisdom was found in God’s words, in their “law.” In their turn, Christians know that the wisdom ruling the universe is none other than the one known in the words and the person of Jesus.

4.35 Following the laments of verses 5-35, note the ending filled with hope and joy (4:36–5:9) which resembles Chapters 60–62 of Isaiah.

6.1 This discourse also serves as a warning for us against exaggerated devotion to the saints and too much interest in religious images.

Amid so many considerations which may seem tedious to us, note the judgment expressed in verses 27 and 37: a religion which shows no concern for orphans and widows is a false religion.