Jeremiah 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh gives a word to Jeremiah about a drought impacting Judah (vv. 1-2). The people mourn, and Jerusalem cries out.

Key verse

“Do not abhor us, for your name’s sake. Do not disgrace the throne of your glory. Remember, and don’t break your covenant with us.”
Jeremiah 14:21 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 14:1–2 The Word of the Drought
Jeremiah 14:3–6 Desperation and Suffering
Jeremiah 14:7–10 Acknowledgment of Sin
Jeremiah 14:11–12 God's Warning Against Intercession
Jeremiah 14:13–16 False Prophets Exposed
Jeremiah 14:17–18 The Grief of God's Messenger
Jeremiah 14:19–22 A Plea for Mercy

Discussion questions

In v2, why does Jerusalem's cry go up during the drought?
What does the phrase 'cover their heads' in v3 indicate about the people's response to the drought?
Yahweh's command in v11 to not pray for the people raises the question: what does this say about divine judgment?
In v14, the phrase 'lying vision' implies a conflict: what does this suggest about the role of true versus false prophets?
When have you felt like a 'wayfaring man' in times of trouble like in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 14: Jeremiah 15, Jeremiah 5, Jeremiah 23.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 15.