Jeremiah 11: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Jeremiah to tell the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem to obey the covenant made with their ancestors (vv. 1-5). He warns them of the consequences of disobedience, stating that they have not listened to His words since they left Egypt (vv. 6-8). Yahweh reveals there is a conspiracy among the people, as they have returned to the sins of their forefathers and turned to other gods (vv. 9-11). He tells them that their cries for help will be futile because they worship false gods (vv. 12-15). Yahweh compares Judah to a beautiful olive tree, but He has pronounced judgment against them for their actions (vv. 16-20). The men of Anathoth threaten Jeremiah's life, but Yahweh promises to punish them (vv. 21-23).

Key verse

“Yet they didn’t obey, nor turn their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of their evil heart. Therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they didn’t do them.’”
Jeremiah 11:8 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 11:1–5 Call to Obey the Covenant
Jeremiah 11:6–8 Warning of Consequences
Jeremiah 11:9–11 Conspiracy and Idolatry
Jeremiah 11:12–15 The Futility of False Worship
Jeremiah 11:16–20 Jeremiah's Burden
Jeremiah 11:21–23 Threats Against Jeremiah

Discussion questions

In v6, what words does Yahweh command Jeremiah to proclaim in Judah?
What does Yahweh say is the fate of the men of Anathoth in v22?
In vv. 9-10, what does Yahweh mean by a 'conspiracy' among the people?
In v15, why does Yahweh ask, 'What has my beloved to do in my house'?
When have you found it difficult to 'obey my voice' as called for in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 11: 1 Samuel 15, Jeremiah 7, Jeremiah 17.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 12.