Jeremiah 26: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 26 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

At the beginning of Jehoiakim's reign, Jeremiah receives a command from Yahweh to speak in the temple (vv. 1-2). He urges the people to repent from their evil ways (vv. 3-6). The priests, prophets, and others hear his message but respond with hostility, demanding his death (vv. 7-9). Jeremiah defends himself by stating that he was sent by Yahweh and calls for the people to amend their ways (vv. 10-15). The princes and the crowd declare that Jeremiah should not die, recognizing he speaks for Yahweh (vv. 16-19). They recall the prophet Micah, who faced similar threats but was not harmed (vv. 17-19). Meanwhile, Uriah prophesies and is executed by Jehoiakim after fleeing to Egypt (vv. 20-23). Ultimately, Ahikam protects Jeremiah from the people's calls for execution (v. 24).

Key verse

“But as for me, behold, I am in your hand. Do with me what is good and right in your eyes.”
Jeremiah 26:14 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 26:1–2 Jeremiah's Commission from God
Jeremiah 26:3–6 Call to Repentance
Jeremiah 26:7–9 Hostility from Leaders and People
Jeremiah 26:10–15 Defense and Warning by Jeremiah
Jeremiah 26:16–19 Elders Recall Micah's Prophecy
Jeremiah 26:20–24 Fate of Uriah and Jeremiah's Deliverance

Discussion questions

What does Jeremiah prophesy about the house and city in vv. 6-7?
In v. 9, why do the people surround Jeremiah in Yahweh’s house?
In vv. 18-19, what tension exists between Micah's message and the actions of Hezekiah?
In vv. 20-23, how does Uriah's fate compare to Jeremiah's situation?
When has speaking the truth led to opposition like Jeremiah faced in v. 8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 26: 1 Samuel 15, Jeremiah 36, Jeremiah 7.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 27.