Tyndale Open Study NotesJeremiah 16

Jeremiah's life served as a sign or parable (see “Prophetic Sign Acts” Theme Note). The Lord instructed him not to marry (Jeremiah 16:1–4), not to attend funerals (16:5–7) or celebrations (16:8–9).

In Hebrew society, bachelors were uncommon, and males were expected to marry in their early twenties. However, the severe crisis of the time required Jeremiah to serve as a divine messenger without family obligations. He needed to rely completely on the Lord (compare 1 Corinthians 7:26–35).

Jeremiah's lack of children served as a lesson about the future. Soon, many children and parents would die, leaving no one to mourn or bury them.

The ban on funerals and mourning was a lesson for the people of Judah. The destruction would be so vast that no one could mourn properly or comfort others.

The ban on attending feasts and parties isolated Jeremiah from meaningful social contact, but the Lord considered it important. Soon, the entire nation and its social interactions would end.

The Lord told Jeremiah that people would question him. They would show self-righteousness and believe the Lord should not harm them.

Jeremiah's response was the message he got when he was given his mission: The people left the Lord for idols (Jeremiah 2), so the Lord would leave them.

The Lord planned to bring his people back from exile to the Promised Land. This event would be as significant as the exodus from Egypt (see Ezra 1–6). The Exodus was the main event in Israel's history that showed the reality and power of the one true God.

Jeremiah's message had two parts:

1. Judgment does not remove future hope (Jeremiah 16:14–15)

2. Hope does not eliminate the certainty of judgment (Jeremiah 16:16–18).

The fishermen and hunters were the Babylonian soldiers God used to carry out his judgment (see Habakkuk 1:14–16).

The punishment was severe—slaughter and exile—because the people of Judah broke the two most important commandments. They did not love God (Deuteronomy 6:4–5), and they did not love their neighbors (Leviticus 19:18; see also Matthew 22:37–40).

Jeremiah worshiped the Lord for protecting him during difficult times and providing salvation to people worldwide.

The Lord wants everyone to know his power and strength. He wants them to understand that he is the Lord (see Exodus 6:7; 8:22).