They would have saved it out of the fire, but the king would not permit it to be done.

Jer. 36:1-8 The writing of the Scriptures was by Divine appointment The Divine wisdom directed to this as a proper means; if it failed, the house of Judah would be the more without excuse. The Lord declares to sinners the evil he purposes to do against them, that they may hear and fear, and return from their evil ways; and whenever any one make this use of God's warnings, in dependence on his promised mercy, he will find the Lord ready to forgive his sins. All others will be lef without excuse; and the consideration that great is the anger God ha pronounced against us for sin, should quicken both our prayers and ou endeavours.

Jer. 36:9-19 Shows of piety and devotion may be found even among those who, though they keep up forms of godliness, are strangers and enemie to the power of it. The princes patiently attended the reading of the whole book. They were in great fear. But even those who are convince to the truth and importance of what they hear, and are disposed to favour those who preach it, often have difficulties and reserves abou their safety, interest, or preferment, so that they do not ac according to their convictions, and try to get rid of what they fin troublesome.

Jer. 36:20-32 Those who despise the word of God, will soon show, a this king did, that they hate it; and, like him, they would wish it destroyed. See what enmity there is against God in the carnal mind, an wonder at his patience. The princes showed some concern, till they saw how light the king made of it. Beware of making light of God's word __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew