ירמיהו, פרק ל״ו, פסוק כ״ט

God delivers a harsh, direct message to the King of Judah, confronting him for the severe act of burning the recorded prophecies of destruction [מצודת דוד]. In His response, God addresses the king's underlying motive for destroying the scroll. At the time he burned the document, Jehoiakim demanded an explanation for the clear warnings written within it, which predicted that the King of Babylon would invade and ruin the land [מצודת דוד].

This demand was not a simple inquiry, but rather a fierce accusation against the prophet. The king viewed the prophecies as acts of incitement and treason against the kingdom, challenging how the prophet could dare to write such things [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, the impending Babylonian invasion will bring about total devastation, leading to the complete elimination and extinction of all human and animal life in the land [מצודת ציון].