Free group study handout
Jeremiah 3: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Jeremiah 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Yahweh uses a metaphor of unfaithfulness to describe Israel's actions. He asks if a man can take back his wife who has been unfaithful (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, you backsliding Israel,’ says Yahweh; ‘I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful,’ says Yahweh. ‘I will not keep anger forever.”
Jeremiah 3:12 (WEB)
Outline
- Jeremiah 3:1–5 Metaphor of Unfaithfulness
- Jeremiah 3:6–10 Judah's Treachery
- Jeremiah 3:11–14 Call to Return
- Jeremiah 3:15–19 Promise of Shepherds
- Jeremiah 3:20–25 Recognition of Shame
Discussion questions
- In v1, what does Yahweh compare Israel's unfaithfulness to?
- In v10, what type of heart does Yahweh say Judah has returned with?
- Yahweh's use of 'treacherous' in v20: what does this suggest about Israel's relationship with Him?
- The phrase 'I will heal your backsliding' in v22: what does this imply about the process of repentance?
- When have you felt 'shame' for turning away from something important, as mentioned in v25?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Jeremiah 3: Jeremiah 29, Jeremiah 31, Jeremiah 2.
Before next time: read Jeremiah 4.