Baruch was the son of Neriah and a member of a distinguished family in Judah. His brother Seraiah was a high-ranking officer in the court of King Zedekiah. Baruch was confidant and secretary of the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah, chapter 45, Jeremiah relates a message from God to Baruch: "I will destroy this nation that I have built—For though I will bring great evil upon all these people, I will protect you wherever you go, as your reward." After the murder of Gedaliah the governor of Judah, Baruch accompanied Jeremiah to Egypt.