Chapter Summary

Message in the temple gate, continued. Terrible judgments impending.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 8

1. What does it communicate when God says that their bones would be laid out in the open? Have you ever experienced a time when God clearly revealed your sin and showed you the futility of it? How did you react?
2. What does it mean that they served the sun, moon, and the host of heaven? What does it say about the power of those so-called deities?
3. What is conveyed by the comparison of Judah to animals in 8:6-7? How do we know if we are living in foolishness or ignorance? What should we do in order to ensure that we live appropriately before God?
4. Why did Judah think they were wise in 8:8? What did they mean by saying the law of the Lord is with us? How is this similar to their perspective on the temple?
5. Who were the scribes? How did they make the law into a lie in 8:8? How have you seen people misuse the Bible? How do people use it to justify their own desires? How can we make sure that we interpret God's word correctly?
6. What is the relationship between wisdom and the word of God? How should this impact our relationship to God's word?
7. In 8:14-15, what do the people think about God and their own sinfulness? What does this reveal about their heart?
8. What feelings do the images of the snorting horse and neighing stallions evoke in 8:16? Are there things going on in our culture that should cause us to assume the coming of God's judgment? What kinds of things? How might this be similar to what Jeremiah saw in his time? What should our response to this be?
9. Why is God's judgment described as a snake that cannot be charmed in 8:17? Is it possible for God's patience to run out?
10. Jeremiah 8:18-22 is a complex section. It appears that Jeremiah, the people, and God all speak. Where does Jeremiah speak and what does it reflect about his heart for the people? Where do the people speak and what is their attitude? What is the significance of God's brief question in 8:19c?

Key Words/Phrase

Consuming judgment, v. 12.

Characters

God, Jeremiah.

Strong Verse(s)

7, 9.