Baruch – Chapter 5

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that everlasting glory which thou…" — so begins Baruch 5. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that everlasting glory which thou hast from God.

2God will clothe thee with the double garment of justice, and will set a crown on thy head of everlasting honour.

3For God will shew his brightness in thee, to every one under heaven.

4For thy name shall be named to thee by God for ever: the peace of justice, and honour of piety.

5Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high: and look about towards the east, and behold thy children gathered together from the rising to the setting sun, by the word of the Holy One rejoicing in the remembrance of God.

6For they went out from thee on foot, led by the enemies: but the Lord will bring them to thee exalted with honour as children of the kingdom.

7For God hath appointed to bring down every high mountain, and the everlasting rocks, and to fill up the valleys to make them even with the ground: that Israel may walk diligently to the honour of God.

8Moreover the woods, and every sweetsmelling tree have overshadowed Israel by the commandment of God.

9For God will bring Israel with joy in the light of his majesty, with mercy, and justice, that cometh from him.

Important Verses in Baruch 5

“Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that everlasting glory which thou hast from God.”

Baruch 5:1

“For thy name shall be named to thee by God for ever: the peace of justice, and honour of piety.”

Baruch 5:4

“For God will bring Israel with joy in the light of his majesty, with mercy, and justice, that cometh from him. ”

Baruch 5:9

Historical Context

Baruch belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the exiled community, turning back to God in repentance. Chapter 5 of 6 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that…" It concludes: "For God will bring Israel with joy in the light of his majesty, with mercy, and justice, that cometh from him. " The wider setting of Baruch is this: This deuterocanonical book presents the prayer of the exiles in Babylon: honest confession of the sins that led to catastrophe, followed by a hymn to Wisdom and a promise of return. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Traditions from the exile; final form probably 2nd century BC.

Who Wrote It

Attributed to Baruch, secretary of the prophet Jeremiah

When It Was Written

Traditions from the exile; final form probably 2nd century BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 9-verse passage, the sacred author describes events, speeches, or revelations central to repentance and hope in exile. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that everlasting glory which thou hast from God." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

Catholic exegesis reads Baruch 5 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. this deuterocanonical book calls to conversion (CIC 1430). St. Ambrose and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2105).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

Reflection for Today

The late section of Baruch—Chapter 5 of 6—opens a particular moment in the story of repentance and hope in exile.

According to Catholic teaching, this deuterocanonical book calls to conversion (CIC 1430). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 355).

Let Baruch Chapter 5 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baruch Chapter 5 about?

Baruch 5 contains 9 verses. It opens with "Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that…" and closes with "For God will bring Israel with joy in the light of his majesty, with mercy, and justice, that cometh from him. ". The book as a whole is penitential prayer and prophetic poetry (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Baruch 5?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Put off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning, and affliction: and put on the beauty, and honour of that everlasting glory which thou hast from God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Baruch and when?

Attributed to Baruch, secretary of the prophet Jeremiah. Traditions from the exile; final form probably 2nd century BC.

Related Chapters

Psalms 88Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 14Shares people and themes with this chapterGenesis 47Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏The Our Father🙏Novena to Christ the King

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