Chapter Summary

Sign of the unmarried prophet, forecasting coming calamities.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 16

1. What is the dual nature of God's command to Jeremiah to remain unmarried? What does this sign-act say to the people of Judah? How is God's mercy seen through this seemingly negative command?
2. God uses intense imagery to describe the idolatry of the people of Judah. In what ways can these harsh metaphors describing the depths of sin help us recognize the weight of our own sin? How does this change how we view sin in our lives?
3. In verse 13, God explains the consequences of their rebellion. How is this passage contrasted with Exodus 34:6-9? What does this tell us about the people's responsibility within the covenant?
4. What does God say he will do the bride and the bridegroom? Why would this cause trouble in the land? How is this a reversal of God's plan to establish a people for Himself?
5. Jeremiah once again calls upon the Exodus as an example of God's past deliverance. Why is the Exodus a significant avenue of understanding for the people of Judah? How does Jeremiah prophesying a better Exodus help or encourage the people of Judah?
6. Jeremiah affirms to the people that God will restore them back to the land after their great affliction brought by the Babylonians. Do you think that the people were offered hope because of this? In what ways does their current circumstance make trusting God's plan for Israel difficult?
7. God says that He is "sending to many fishers to catch them" in reference to God's servants who pluck out the faithful exiles. How does Jesus fulfill this promise to fish for exiles in Matthew 4:19? How does this encourage us to evangelize to our neighbors in affliction?
8. Jeremiah is anguished by the affliction he and his people are being subjected to, yet he humbly repents of his lack of trust. In what ways can recognizing God's sovereignty convict us of our misunderstanding? How can we take after Jeremiah and his desire to acknowledge God's goodness in all circumstances?
9. What does God say He will make them know in verse 21? In what ways does God use their pain for his redemptive purposes? Why is this significant?
10. What is the significance of breaking bread over the dead bodies? Why would this create tension in the land?

Key Words/Phrase

v. 10.

Characters

God, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

17