Read & explore together
Israel is encouraged while its estrangement is explained
This passage speaks both comfort and correction. Israel is told to take courage, but the reason for its trouble is also plainly named. The verses hold hope and warning together without hiding either one.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
In these four verses from the Catholic additional book of Baruch, the speaker addresses "my people" and "the memorial of Israel". The passage explains that being handed over to adversaries was not for destruction, but came because the people provoked God, forgot him, and turned to what was not God.
Baruch 4:5–8Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Israel is encouraged to hope, even while its estrangement is explained as the result of forgetting God and turning away from him.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01A call to courageThe first words are tender and direct: "Be of good cheer, my people". The people are still addressed as belonging together, and "the memorial of Israel" keeps Israel’s identity in view.
Explanation
The first words are tender and direct: "Be of good cheer, my people". The people are still addressed as belonging together, and "the memorial of Israel" keeps Israel’s identity in view. The encouragement is real, even though the next verses will speak honestly about guilt and loss.
02Not destruction, but delivery to adversariesThe passage carefully explains what happened. It says the people were "not sold to the nations for destruction".
Explanation
The passage carefully explains what happened. It says the people were "not sold to the nations for destruction". Their situation among the nations is not described as their end. Instead, because they moved God to wrath, they were "delivered to your adversaries". The verse makes a distinction between judgement and total destruction.
03The offence named clearlyThe reason for God’s wrath is not left vague. The people "provoked him who made you" by "sacrificing to demons and not to God".
Explanation
The reason for God’s wrath is not left vague. The people "provoked him who made you" by "sacrificing to demons and not to God". The contrast is sharp. The one they offended is their Maker, and the worship they gave elsewhere is presented as false and deeply serious.
04Forgetting the everlasting GodThe final verse adds another layer to the problem: forgetfulness. The people "forgot the everlasting God who brought you up".
Explanation
The final verse adds another layer to the problem: forgetfulness. The people "forgot the everlasting God who brought you up". It also says they "grieved Jerusalem, who nursed you". The language joins relationship, care, and sorrow, showing that their turning away wounded both their bond with God and their connection with Jerusalem.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does Baruch 4:6 prevent us from saying Israel’s trouble meant complete destruction?
Look closely at the difference between "not sold to the nations for destruction" and "delivered to your adversaries".
02What two wrong responses to God are named in this passage?
One is active turning to what is not God, and the other is failing to remember the everlasting God.
03Why is the phrase "him who made you" important in the warning?
It shows that the people’s sin is serious because it is directed against the God who made them.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Baruch 4:5–8
5Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.
6You were not sold to the nations for destruction, but because you moved God to wrath, you were delivered to your adversaries.
7For you provoked him who made you by sacrificing to demons and not to God.
8You forgot the everlasting God who brought you up. You also grieved Jerusalem, who nursed you.