This chapter belongs after chapter 36 chronologically, either after 36:8 or 36:32. It serves as an appendix to the historical incidents recorded there. Perhaps the writer or final editor placed it here to show that Yahweh exempted faithful Baruch from the threats to the Judean remnant recorded in chapter 44.
"Probably Jeremiah placed this chapter last in his prophecies to Judah (Jer. 2-45) to emphasize the response that God wanted from godly Jews during the Exile."539
This short chapter provides insight into Baruch's life.540It is also the last chapter in the book in which Jeremiah is part of the narrative.
45:1-2 The Lord had given Jeremiah a message for Baruch after he had copied Jeremiah's prophecies in 605 B.C. (ch. 36). Which copying this was is unimportant, the first one in 36:8 or the second one in 36:32.
45:3 Baruch had complained about the sorrow, pain, inner turmoil, and restlessness that he had experienced because he carried out God's will. He had copied Jeremiah's prophecies and had suffered from his association with their negative message. His lament recalls Jeremiah's "confessions"and some of the personal lament psalms.
45:4 The Lord was about to tear down and uproot Judah (cf. 1:10; 2:21; 31:5; et al.).
45:5 It was wrong, therefore, for Baruch to expect a life of comfort and ease. Baruch was an educated man whose brother was a high official under King Zedekiah (51:59). His grandfather had been the governor of Jerusalem during Josiah's reign (cf. 32:12; 2 Chron. 34:8). He may have entertained hopes of attaining a position of distinction in the nation, but he, too, would have to participate in the fallout of Yahweh's judgment. The Lord promised to bless Baruch by preserving his life wherever he went because of his faithful service.
"Ironically, the very suffering through which Baruch passed because of his loyalty to Jeremiah gained him honor beyond anything he could have anticipated."541
The Lord's command not to seek great things for himself presupposes a proud motive. Seeking to serve the Lord in a significant position of ministry is not wrong in itself provided one's motive is to glorify God. It is seeking position for one's own glory that is wrong.
