Free group study handout
Jeremiah 37: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Jeremiah 37 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Zedekiah, son of Josiah, ruled as king instead of Coniah. Zedekiah and the people did not listen to Yahweh’s words through Jeremiah (vv. 1-2).
Key verse
“Yahweh says, ‘Don’t deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely depart from us;” for they will not depart.”
Jeremiah 37:9 (WEB)
Outline
- Jeremiah 37:1–2 Zedekiah's Reign and Disobedience
- Jeremiah 37:3–5 Zedekiah's Request for Prayer
- Jeremiah 37:6–10 Yahweh's Prophecy Against Judah
- Jeremiah 37:11–14 Jeremiah's Arrest
- Jeremiah 37:15–20 Imprisonment and Plea for Mercy
- Jeremiah 37:21 Jeremiah's Sustained Imprisonment
Discussion questions
- In v3, who does Zedekiah send to Jeremiah to ask for prayer?
- What does Jeremiah say will happen to the city in vv. 8-10?
- Zedekiah's inquiry in v17: why does he seek a word from Jeremiah secretly?
- Jeremiah's plea in v20: why does he fear returning to the house of Jonathan?
- When have you felt pressured to act in a way that contradicted your beliefs, as Zedekiah does?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Jeremiah 37: Jeremiah 38, Jeremiah 21, Jeremiah 32.
Before next time: read Jeremiah 38.