Jeremiah 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Jeremiah 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands a search in Jerusalem for anyone who seeks righteousness, promising pardon if found (vv. 1-3). The prophet observes that the leaders are foolish; they have broken God's laws and led the people astray (vv.

Key verse

“But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart. They have revolted and gone.”
Jeremiah 5:23 (WEB)

Outline

Jeremiah 5:1–3 Call to Search for Righteousness
Jeremiah 5:4–6 The Foolishness of Leadership
Jeremiah 5:7–9 Forsaking God
Jeremiah 5:10–12 Warning of Coming Judgment
Jeremiah 5:13–15 False Prophets and Security
Jeremiah 5:16–19 Consequences of Rebellion
Jeremiah 5:20–31 Call to Hear and Repent

Discussion questions

In v1, what is Jeremiah instructed to look for in Jerusalem?
What does Yahweh say the prophets have become in v13?
In v9, what is the implication of Yahweh asking if He should not punish for their actions?
What does the imagery of 'a lion out of the forest' in v6 suggest about the consequences of sin?
When have you noticed a situation where leaders have failed to act justly, as described in v28?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Jeremiah 5: Mark 8, Isaiah 44, Jeremiah 4.

Before next time: read Jeremiah 6.