Jeremiah 17: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 17 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Judah's sin is written with a pen of iron and engraved on their hearts and altars (vv. 1-3). Because of their sin, Yahweh will give their treasures as plunder and cause them to serve their enemies in a foreign land (v.

Key verse

“The heart is deceitful above all things and it is exceedingly corrupt. Who can know it?”
Jeremiah 17:9 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 17:1–4 The Sin of Judah
Jeremiah 17:5–8 Trust and Its Outcomes
Jeremiah 17:9–11 The Deceitfulness of the Heart
Jeremiah 17:12–14 Yahweh as Sanctuary
Jeremiah 17:15–18 Jeremiah's Plea Amidst Scorn
Jeremiah 17:19–22 Call to Honor the Sabbath
Jeremiah 17:23–27 Consequences for Disobedience

Discussion questions

In v5, who does Yahweh say is 'cursed'?
In v8, what imagery is used to describe the man who trusts in Yahweh?
The phrase 'burn forever' in v4: how does this relate to the consequences of Judah's sin?
The term 'spring of living waters' in v13: what does it suggest about Yahweh's character?
When have you felt like a 'bush in the desert' (v6) due to misplaced trust?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 17: Proverbs 3, Proverbs 4, Psalm 1.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 18.