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Authorship, date, and setting
Fourth Baruch also circulates under the Greek title Paraleipomena of Jeremiah; in the Ethiopic tradition it is called the Rest of the Words of Baruch. It was not written by the historical Baruch: Jeremiah, his scribe, and Abimelech become characters in a later narrative about Jerusalem's fall and restoration. James Charlesworth proposed an original composition in the first half of the second century CE; J. Riaud considered the year 136 CE proposed by J. R. Harris too precise. These proposals concern the work's composition, not the Babylonian age in which its story is set.
Structure of the nine chapters
In chapters 1–4, Jeremiah hears of the coming fall, temple objects are hidden, and the city is handed over to the Chaldeans. Chapter 5 follows Abimelech's sleep and awakening sixty-six years later. Chapters 6–7 bring together still-fresh figs, correspondence carried by an eagle, and hope of return. In chapter 8 the return passes through the Jordan and part of the people is separated. Chapter 9 closes with sacrifice, vision, Jeremiah's death, and his burial. This is the division of the text in this collection.
Themes and key passages
Jerusalem's fall in chapters 3–4 is told as judgment, yet Jeremiah continues to intercede for the people. Abimelech's sleep in chapter 5 and the preserved figs in chapter 6 make both the passage of decades and the possibility of return visible within the story. The eagle carrying a letter in chapter 7 links Baruch, left near the city, with Jeremiah among the exiles. Crossing the Jordan in chapter 8 turns return into a choice to leave Babylonian practices. The end of chapter 9 uses Christian language about Christ; that feature must be distinguished from the Jewish setting and from questions about layers of composition.
Summary by parts
1–4: God tells Jeremiah that the Chaldeans will enter Jerusalem. The prophet and Baruch lament; angels appear in the city scene and sacred objects are kept safe. Abimelech leaves to find figs for the sick. When the army arrives, the people are taken captive and Jeremiah goes with them, while Baruch remains near the city.
5–7: Abimelech wakes after sixty-six years and finds that the figs have not spoiled. He meets Baruch, who is told to write to Jeremiah. An eagle takes the message to the exiles and brings an answer; the figs are shared with the sick.
8–9: Jeremiah calls the people to leave Babylonian practices and cross the Jordan. Some turn back and found Samaria, according to the narrative's own explanation. Days of sacrifice follow in Jerusalem; Jeremiah appears to die, returns to life after three days, and proclaims Christ. The people stone him, and Baruch and Abimelech bury him.
Reception, canon, and witnesses
The work's name differs between the Greek tradition, centered on Jeremiah, and the Ethiopic one, which foregrounds Baruch. An historical Ethiopic edition was published by August Dillmann in 1866 and is available in a textual reproduction from Tel Aviv University. This transmission shows that the work continued to be copied beyond the familiar Western biblical collections. Fourth Baruch should not be confused with the Book of Baruch in this collection or with 2 or 3 Baruch. The transmitted Christian ending in chapter 9 also cautions against assuming identical origins and reception for every part.
Sources
- Peter Kirby, com excertos de J. Riaud e James H. Charlesworth, 4 Baruch (s.d.).
- Ran HaCohen, Universidade de Tel Aviv, Information and Notes: 4 Baruch (2011).