Jeremiah 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Jeremiah not to take a wife or have children in this place (vv. 1-2). He pronounces judgment on the sons and daughters born there, stating they will die grievous deaths and their bodies will not be buried (vv.

Key verse

“Therefore behold, I will cause them to know, this once I will cause them to know my hand and my might. Then they will know that my name is Yahweh.”
Jeremiah 16:21 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 16:1–2 God's Command to Jeremiah
Jeremiah 16:3–4 Judgment Pronounced
Jeremiah 16:5–8 Ceasing Mourning and Festivities
Jeremiah 16:9–13 Reasons for Judgment
Jeremiah 16:14–15 Promise of Future Restoration
Jeremiah 16:16–18 Divine Retribution
Jeremiah 16:19–21 Recognition of God's Might

Discussion questions

In v2, what specific instructions does Yahweh give to Jeremiah regarding family?
What is described in v4 as the fate of those who die in this land?
In vv. 9-10, why does Yahweh mention the 'voice of mirth' in relation to the people's response?
In v18, why does Yahweh emphasize that He will 'recompense their iniquity and their sin double'?
When have you experienced a time where you felt the absence of 'peace' mentioned in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 16: 2 Chronicles 16, Jeremiah 17, Proverbs 15.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 17.