Chapter Summary

Message to King Zedekiah. Babylonian captivity foretold.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 21

1. Who is this message of warning given to in chapter 21? All of Israel? Northern Israel? Judah? Why is it that Judah is given this chance to repent and live while Northern Israel did not? Was the conduct of Judah any better than that of Northern Israel at this time in Jeremiah 21?
2. What function did the Temple priests carry out? Why would Zedekiah ask a priest for someone else to "inquire of the Lord on our behalf" (v.1, NASB)?
3. As a believer, has there been a time in your life when your sin hampered your relationship with the Lord? What should we do in those times?
4. Has there been a time in your life when God seemingly answers your prayers in the exact opposite way that you had hoped? What are some things we can do to not despair in those seasons, but to continue to trust in the Lord?
5. Why does God discipline his people? What are examples of disciplining in your own life from authority, or if you need to discipline someone in your authority? What insight can Hebrews 12:3-11 give us about the discipline that comes from the Lord?
6. Why is the Lord is using a people who do not follow Him to discipline the people of Judah? According to what the Lord has already spoken through Jeremiah, will the nations that attack Israel and Judah be spared?
7. Why is it that the Lord is choosing to destroy the buildings of Jerusalem as well as the Temple Building? What insight can Jeremiah chapter 7 give concerning the destruction of the Temple?
8. The Lord is giving the people of Judah an ultimatum in to choose between "the way of life and the way of death" (v.8, NASB). How is this situation like the "two roads" Jesus teaches us about in Matthew 7:13-14? How is this situation different? Which situation is ultimately more dire and why?
9. As well as disciplining His people with a chance to turn and live, there is also clearly going to be "wrath" (v.12, NASB) and punishment (v. 14) delivered by the Lord on some. How is it that some in Judah, who are supposed to be the people of God, receive what appears to be full condemnation? Are there those in and around the people of God today who may ultimately receive this condemnation too? How can we minister to those who are amongst God's people who have a sense of eternal security in their mind, but they have openly not repented of their sins, trusted Jesus, and followed Him?
10. Why does verse 11 specifically say to "administer justice every morning" (NASB)? What are some biblical examples of doing justice given here in Jeremiah and throughout scripture? What are some ways we as the church can make the administration of justice a priority and not fall into the same pattern as Judah once did? Be specific to your own life and the community around you.

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah's fury.

Characters

God, Jeremiah, Zedekiah, Pashur, Zephaniah, Nebuchadnezzar.

Strong Verse(s)

8