Jeremiah 13: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh instructs Jeremiah to buy a linen belt and wear it (vv. 1-2). Then, he commands Jeremiah to hide the belt by the Euphrates River (vv. 3-5). After some time, Yahweh tells Jeremiah to retrieve the belt, which is now ruined and worthless (vv. 6-7). Yahweh explains that he will ruin the pride of Judah and Jerusalem, as they have turned away from him and worshipped other gods (vv. 8-11). Yahweh warns that he will fill the people with drunkenness and bring destruction upon them (vv. 12-14). He calls the people to humility before it is too late, warning of impending darkness and sorrow (vv. 15-17). Finally, Yahweh laments for Jerusalem, highlighting their sins and uncleanliness, and states that they will not be made clean (vv. 18-27).

Key verse

“Yahweh’s word came to me the second time, saying, “Take the belt that you have bought, which is on your waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a cleft of the rock.”

Jeremiah 13:3-4 (WEB)

Outline

1. Jeremiah 13:1–2 Symbolic Act of the Belt
2. Jeremiah 13:3–5 Hiding the Belt
3. Jeremiah 13:6–7 The Ruined Belt
4. Jeremiah 13:8–11 Judah's Pride and Rebellion
5. Jeremiah 13:12–14 The Coming Judgment
6. Jeremiah 13:15–17 Call to Humility
7. Jeremiah 13:18–27 Lament for Jerusalem

Discussion questions

1. In v1, what specific item is Jeremiah instructed to buy and wear?
2. What happens to the belt in v7 after Jeremiah retrieves it from the Euphrates?
3. In vv. 9-10, why does Yahweh compare the people of Judah to the ruined belt?
4. In v26, what does the phrase 'uncover your skirts on your face' imply about Jerusalem's shame?
5. When have you felt 'pride' leading to negative consequences in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 13: Jeremiah 2, Jeremiah 9, Psalm 51.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 14.