Jeremiah 14:16

And the people to whom they prophesy will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out their own evil upon them.

Study Bible

And the people to whom they prophesy
This phrase refers to the inhabitants of Judah who were being misled by false prophets. In the Hebrew context, "prophesy" (נָבָא, naba) often implies speaking under divine inspiration. However, these prophets were not speaking God's truth. Historically, false prophets were a significant issue in Israel, leading people away from God's commands. This highlights the importance of discernment and adherence to true prophetic words, as emphasized throughout the Scriptures.

will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem
The imagery of being "thrown into the streets" suggests a lack of dignity and respect, often associated with judgment and disgrace. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial was crucial, and to be left unburied was a sign of divine disfavor. Jerusalem, the city of God, becomes a place of judgment due to the people's disobedience, reflecting the severe consequences of turning away from God.

because of famine and sword
"Famine" and "sword" are common biblical symbols of divine judgment. Famine (רָעָב, ra'av) often results from a lack of rain, which in the Old Testament is frequently depicted as a consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. The "sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev) represents war and violence. Together, they signify comprehensive judgment affecting both sustenance and security, underscoring the severity of God's response to persistent sin.

There will be no one to bury them
This phrase emphasizes the totality of the disaster. In ancient Israel, burial was a sacred duty, and the absence of anyone to perform this act indicates complete societal breakdown. It reflects the ultimate consequence of sin—alienation and abandonment, both by God and community, which is a recurring theme in prophetic literature.

them or their wives or their sons or their daughters
The inclusion of "wives," "sons," and "daughters" highlights the indiscriminate nature of the judgment. It affects entire families, illustrating the communal impact of sin. In the Hebrew tradition, family units were central to societal structure, and their destruction signifies a profound unraveling of social order.

I will pour out their own evil upon them
This phrase indicates a divine retribution where the consequences of one's actions are returned upon them. The concept of "pouring out" (שָׁפַךְ, shaphak) suggests an overwhelming and inescapable judgment. It reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where individuals and nations face the repercussions of their moral and spiritual choices. This serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice and the importance of repentance and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, who were living in rebellion against God.

3. False Prophets
Individuals who falsely claimed to speak for God, offering messages of peace and safety contrary to God's true warnings.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to the events of Jeremiah's prophecies, and a place of impending judgment.

5. Famine and Sword
Symbols of God's judgment, representing the physical and societal devastation that would come upon the people due to their disobedience.

Teaching Points

The Danger of False Prophets
False prophets lead people away from God's truth, resulting in severe consequences. Believers must discern and adhere to true biblical teaching.

Consequences of Disobedience
The people of Judah faced dire consequences for their rebellion. This serves as a warning to us about the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance.

God's Justice
God's judgment is a response to persistent sin and rebellion. His justice is an integral part of His character, reminding us of the need for righteousness.

The Importance of True Prophecy
True prophecy aligns with God's Word and calls people to repentance and faithfulness. We must value and seek out sound biblical teaching.

Community Responsibility
The collective judgment on Judah highlights the impact of communal sin. As a community of believers, we are called to uphold God's standards together.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify and guard against false prophets in today's world?

2. In what ways does the judgment on Judah serve as a warning for modern believers?

3. How does understanding God's justice influence our view of His character and our relationship with Him?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are following true biblical teaching in our personal and communal lives?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in living according to God's standards?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, providing a backdrop for understanding the consequences faced by Judah.

Ezekiel 14
Similar themes of judgment and the role of false prophets are explored, emphasizing the seriousness of leading people astray.

Matthew 23
Jesus condemns the religious leaders of His time for leading people away from the truth, paralleling the role of false prophets in Jeremiah's day.

Revelation 19
The ultimate judgment of false prophets and those who follow them is depicted, showing the consistency of God's justice throughout Scripture.