◄ Jeremiah 19 ►
Book Sum People Lessons Que
Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
The Broken Jar 1This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests, 2and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. Proclaim there the words I speak to you, 3saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring, 4because they have abandoned Me and made this a foreign place. They have burned incense in this place to other gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have ever known. They have filled this place with the blood of the innocent. 5They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind. 6So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. 7And in this place I will ruina the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, by the hands of those who seek their lives, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. 8I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn.b All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. 9I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’ 10Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you, 11and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them. 12This is what I will do to this place and to its residents, declares the LORD. I will make this city like Topheth. 13The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.” 14Then Jeremiah returned from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy, and he stood in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and proclaimed to all the people, 15“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am about to bring on this city and on all the villages around it every disaster I have pronounced against them, because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words.’” Footnotes: 7 a The Hebrew term for ruin sounds like the Hebrew for jar; see verses 1 and 10. 8 b Literally and a hissing Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 19 Summary The Broken Jar Verses 1–2 – Buying the Potter’s Jar and Choosing the Valley Jeremiah obeys the LORD’s command to purchase an earthen jar, taking elders and priests with him to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the Potsherd Gate, the city’s refuse dump. The stage is set for a living sermon everyone can see. Verses 3–6 – Thunderous Warning of Disaster To kings and citizens alike Jeremiah cries, “I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring” (v. 3). Because Judah has turned the valley into a center of pagan worship and bloodshed, it will be renamed “the Valley of Slaughter.” Verses 7–9 – Siege, Sword, and Unthinkable Hunger God declares that the same valley that heard the cries of sacrificed children will echo with the cries of their parents as enemy armies besiege the city. Corpses will feed birds, and starvation will push people to cannibalism. Verses 10–13 – The Jar Shattered, the Nation Shattered Jeremiah smashes the clay jar so that it can never be mended, picturing the coming ruin of Judah. Topheth will be overcrowded with burials, and even the palaces and rooftops of Jerusalem will become defiled altars. Verses 14–15 – Final Echo in the Temple Court Returning from the valley, Jeremiah repeats the verdict inside the LORD’s house: every word of doom will stand because the people “have stiffened their necks and refused to hear My words” (v. 15). Jeremiah 19 presents a grim prophecy from the Lord about the imminent destruction of Jerusalem due to its idolatry and rebellion. The prophet Jeremiah, tasked with delivering this ominous message, uses a clay jar as a symbolic representation of the city’s impending doom. Historical Setting Between 609 and 587 BC Judah is squeezed by Babylon and Egypt. Instead of clinging to Josiah’s reforms (2 Kings 23), the nation drifts back to idol worship under Jehoiakim and later Zedekiah. Jeremiah 19 likely falls early in Jehoiakim’s reign. Bringing elders and priests shows the message targets both civic and spiritual leaders, as required in Deuteronomy 17:8-13. Symbolism of the Clay Jar • A fired jar is cheap yet final—once shattered it cannot be reshaped. • Jeremiah 18 pictured pliable clay; chapter 19 pictures hardened clay beyond repair. • Isaiah 30:14 and Revelation 2:27 use the same image, stressing divine justice that cannot be undone. Topheth and the Valley of Ben-hinnom • “Topheth” means “fireplace” or “burning place.” Archaeologists have found layers of ash, animal bones, and pottery fragments in areas matching its description south-west of ancient Jerusalem. • The valley later becomes “Gehenna,” the image Jesus uses for final judgment (Mark 9:47-48). • Kings Ahaz and Manasseh burned children here (2 Chronicles 28:3; 33:6). Josiah tried to end the practice (2 Kings 23:10), but it resurged by Jeremiah’s day. The Sin of Judah: Idolatry and Innocent Blood Jeremiah lists three charges: 1. Forsaking the LORD for “foreign gods” (v. 4; Exodus 20:3). 2. Filling the valley “with the blood of the innocent,” a direct violation of Psalm 106:37-38. 3. Burning incense to the “heavenly host” on their rooftops (v. 13; Zephaniah 1:5). These break the first, second, and sixth commandments and flout Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:10. Prophetic Act and Fulfillment • Smashing the jar visualizes Jerusalem’s fall in 586 BC (2 Kings 25). • Cannibalism came true (Lamentations 2:20; 4:10). • Prophets often act out their messages: Isaiah walks barefoot (Isaiah 20); Ezekiel bakes bread over dung (Ezekiel 4). Connections to Other Scriptures • Deuteronomy 28:52-57 foretells siege cannibalism. • 2 Kings 6:24-29 shows similar desperation in Samaria. • Matthew 27:7-10 links Judas’s blood money to the “Field of Blood,” echoing Jeremiah’s theme that innocent blood defiles land. • Paul’s “treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7) flips the image: fragile yet filled with grace. Messianic Foreshadowing Though Jeremiah 19 thunders judgment, later chapters promise a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s ruin (Luke 19:41-44) and offers Himself as the shattered yet risen vessel that brings restoration. Practical Applications for Today • Idolatry today may be career, pleasure, or self—anything placed above God. • Repeated sin can harden the heart until only drastic change can break it. • Influence carries responsibility: the elders and priests were first in line to watch the jar break (James 3:1). • National sin has national fallout; personal repentance matters before society collapses. Archaeological Insights • Tombs, ash layers, and smashed pottery in the Hinnom valley fit biblical accounts of mass burnings and burials. • Small clay idols of Baal and Asherah, found across Judah, match Jeremiah’s charges of widespread idol worship. Language and Literary Notes • “Ring” (v. 3) translates a Hebrew verb meaning “tingle,” used only three times (1 Samuel 3:11; 2 Kings 21:12) and always tied to shocking judgment. • The phrase “this place” repeats for emphasis—judgment fits the crime on the very ground where sin thrived. • The passage forms a mirror: command (vv. 1-2), message (vv. 3-9), act (vv. 10-11), message (vv. 12-13), command fulfilled (vv. 14-15). Takeaway The shattered jar warns that God’s patience has limits. Yet the wider account points to Jesus, whose broken body makes it possible for shattered people to be made whole. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 64:8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we all are the work of Your hand. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and our need to submit to His shaping. 2 Chronicles 7:14 And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. This verse highlights the promise of restoration through repentance. Romans 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? This passage reinforces God's authority over His creation. Teaching Points The Symbolism of the Potter's Jar Jeremiah 19:1-2 introduces the imagery of a potter's jar, which God instructs Jeremiah to take and break in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. This symbolizes the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to their idolatry and disobedience. The Cause of Judgment Verses 3-5 highlight the reasons for God's judgment: the people have forsaken Him, defiled the land with foreign gods, and committed abominations, including child sacrifice. This underscores the severity of their rebellion against God. The Consequences of Sin In verses 6-9, God declares the dire consequences that will befall Jerusalem, including siege, famine, and cannibalism. This serves as a stark warning of the destructive power of sin. The Breaking of the Jar Verses 10-11 describe Jeremiah breaking the jar as a prophetic act, symbolizing the irreversible judgment that will come upon the city. This act illustrates the finality of God's decision when His people persist in sin. The Call to Repentance Despite the harsh message, the underlying call is for repentance. God's desire is for His people to turn back to Him and avoid the impending disaster. Practical Applications Examine Our Lives Just as the people of Judah were called to account for their actions, we should regularly examine our lives for areas of disobedience and idolatry. Heed God's Warnings The warnings in Scripture are given for our benefit. We should take them seriously and allow them to guide us back to a right relationship with God. Value Repentance Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning away from sin and towards God. It is essential for maintaining a healthy spiritual life. Trust in God's Justice While God's judgment is severe, it is also just. We can trust that He is righteous in all His ways and that His discipline is meant to bring us back to Him. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The chapter begins with the word of the LORD coming to Jeremiah. The LORD is the one who instructs Jeremiah on what to do and what message to deliver. In Hebrew, the name used is "Yahweh," which is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. 2. Jeremiah The prophet who receives the message from the LORD and is instructed to perform a symbolic act with a clay jar. Jeremiah is a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah. 3. The Elders of the People and the Elders of the Priests Jeremiah is instructed to take some of these leaders with him to the Valley of Ben Hinnom. The elders represent the leadership and authority within the community and religious life of Judah. 4. The People of Judah and Jerusalem While not mentioned individually, the message is directed towards the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. They are the recipients of the prophetic warning and are held accountable for their actions, particularly their idolatry and shedding of innocent blood. 5. The Kings of Judah Although not named specifically in this chapter, the kings are mentioned as part of the leadership responsible for leading the people astray. The Hebrew term "מַלְכֵי יְהוּדָה" (malchei Yehudah) refers to the royal lineage ruling over Judah. The chapter is a prophetic declaration against the people of Judah and their leaders, warning them of the impending judgment due to their idolatry and disobedience to God. The symbolic act of breaking the clay jar represents the destruction that will come upon them if they do not repent. Places 1. The Valley of Ben Hinnom This valley, also known as Gehenna in Greek, is located outside Jerusalem. It was notorious for being a site where child sacrifices were made to the pagan god Molech. In Jeremiah 19, God instructs Jeremiah to go to this valley to proclaim His message of judgment. The valley symbolizes the idolatry and abominations committed by the people of Judah. 2. The Potsherd Gate Also referred to as the "Gate of Broken Pots" or "East Gate," this gate is located in Jerusalem. It is the place where Jeremiah is told to break a clay jar as a symbolic act of the impending destruction of Jerusalem and its people. The gate's name reflects the brokenness and ruin that will come upon the city due to its disobedience. Events 1. God's Command to Jeremiah The chapter begins with God instructing Jeremiah to purchase a potter's clay jar and take some of the elders and priests with him. This symbolizes the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "jar" (בַּקְבֻּק, bakbuk) suggests something that can be easily broken, highlighting the fragility of the people’s situation. 2. Proclamation at the Valley of Ben Hinnom Jeremiah is told to go to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the Potsherd Gate, and proclaim God's words. This location is significant as it was associated with idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice, which God condemns. 3. Pronouncement of Disaster God declares that He will bring disaster upon the place because the people have forsaken Him, made it a place of foreign gods, and filled it with the blood of the innocent. The Hebrew term for "disaster" (רָעָה, ra'ah) conveys a sense of calamity and evil consequences due to their actions. 4. Judgment for Idolatry and Innocent Blood The people have built high places to Baal and burned their children in the fire as offerings, something God did not command or even consider. This highlights the severity of their idolatry and moral corruption. 5. Destruction and Siege God announces that He will make the city a horror and an object of scorn. The siege will be so severe that the people will resort to cannibalism. This is a fulfillment of the covenant curses found in Deuteronomy for disobedience. 6. Breaking the Jar Jeremiah is instructed to break the jar in the presence of those who went with him, symbolizing how God will shatter the people and the city beyond repair. The act of breaking the jar is a prophetic sign of irreversible judgment. 7. Renaming of the Place The place will be called the Valley of Slaughter because of the coming devastation. This renaming signifies a transformation of the place’s identity due to the judgment. 8. Return to the City and Further Proclamation Jeremiah returns to the city and stands in the court of the LORD’s house to proclaim all the words of judgment to the people. This emphasizes the public and unavoidable nature of the prophetic message. Lessons from Jeremiah 19 1. The Power of Obedience In Jeremiah 19, we see the importance of following God's instructions to the letter. God commands Jeremiah to buy a clay jar and take it to the Valley of Ben Hinnom. This act of obedience sets the stage for a powerful message. As it is written, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience to God is not just about following rules; it's about aligning our lives with His divine purpose. 2. The Consequences of Idolatry The chapter highlights the dangers of turning away from God to worship idols. The people of Judah had forsaken Yahweh, leading to dire consequences. "They have forsaken Me and made this a place of foreign gods" (Jeremiah 19:4). This serves as a reminder that placing anything above God in our lives can lead to spiritual ruin. 3. The Importance of Repentance Jeremiah's message in this chapter is a call to repentance. The people are warned of impending disaster if they do not turn back to God. "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not just about feeling sorry; it's about changing direction and returning to God. 4. The Symbolism of the Clay Jar The clay jar in Jeremiah 19 is a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty. Just as the potter shapes the clay, God shapes our lives. "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter" (Isaiah 64:8). This reminds us that we are in the hands of a loving Creator who knows what is best for us. 5. The Reality of Divine Judgment Jeremiah 19 does not shy away from the reality of God's judgment. The broken jar symbolizes the destruction that will come upon those who persist in sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). God's judgment is real, but so is His mercy. 6. The Call to Be a Messenger Jeremiah's role as a prophet reminds us of our own calling to share God's truth. Despite the unpopularity of his message, Jeremiah faithfully delivers it. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). We are called to be messengers of hope and truth in a world that desperately needs it. 7. The Assurance of God's Presence Even in the face of opposition, Jeremiah is not alone. God's presence is with him, providing strength and courage. "Do not be afraid, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10). This assurance is available to us as well, empowering us to stand firm in our faith. 8. The Urgency of the Message The message in Jeremiah 19 is urgent. The people are warned of imminent disaster if they do not change their ways. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 3:15). There is an urgency in responding to God's call, as tomorrow is not guaranteed. 9. The Hope of Restoration Despite the grim warnings, there is always hope for restoration. God's desire is not to destroy but to restore. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). God's ultimate goal is to bring us back into a loving relationship with Him. 10. The Faithfulness of God Finally, Jeremiah 19 reminds us of God's faithfulness. Even when His people are unfaithful, God remains true to His promises. "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:13). This faithfulness is the foundation of our hope and the assurance of our salvation through Jesus Christ. Topics 1. The Symbol of the Broken Jar Jeremiah is instructed by God to purchase a potter's clay jar and take some elders and priests to the Valley of Ben Hinnom. This act symbolizes the impending judgment on Judah and Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "jar" (בַּקְבֻּק, ^baqbuq^) suggests something that can be easily shattered, emphasizing the fragility of the people’s current state. 2. Proclamation of Judgment God commands Jeremiah to declare His judgment upon the people for their idolatry and shedding of innocent blood. The valley will be called the Valley of Slaughter. The Hebrew term for "slaughter" (הֲרֵגָה, ^haregah^) indicates a violent and complete destruction. 3. Reasons for Judgment The chapter outlines the reasons for God's wrath, including the worship of Baal and the offering of their children as sacrifices. This idolatry is a direct violation of the covenant, as seen in the Hebrew word for "abominations" (תּוֹעֵבוֹת, ^to'evot^), which refers to detestable practices. 4. The Consequences of Disobedience The text describes the severe consequences that will befall the people, including siege, famine, and cannibalism. The Hebrew root for "consume" (אָכַל, ^akal^) is used to depict the dire circumstances that will lead to such desperate acts. 5. The Breaking of the Jar Jeremiah is instructed to break the jar in front of the people as a prophetic act, symbolizing how God will shatter the nation beyond repair. The act of breaking (שָׁבַר, ^shabar^) signifies irreversible destruction. 6. The Inescapable Judgment The chapter concludes with a reiteration of the inescapable nature of the coming judgment, emphasizing that the city will become like Topheth, a place of defilement. The Hebrew word for "defile" (טָמֵא, ^tamei^) underscores the spiritual and physical corruption that will result. Themes 1. Judgment on Idolatry Jeremiah 19 highlights God's judgment against the idolatry of Judah. The people have forsaken God and turned to worship other gods, provoking His anger. The Hebrew word for "idols" (אֱלִילִים, 'elilim) emphasizes the worthlessness of these false gods. The text states, "They have forsaken Me and made this a place of foreign gods" (Jeremiah 19:4). 2. The Consequences of Disobedience The chapter underscores the severe consequences of disobedience to God's commands. The people of Judah have defiled the land with their practices, leading to their own destruction. The passage warns, "I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies" (Jeremiah 19:7). 3. Symbolism of the Broken Jar God instructs Jeremiah to break a clay jar as a symbol of the impending destruction of Jerusalem. This act represents the irreversible judgment that will come upon the city. The Hebrew word for "jar" (בַּקְבֻּק, baqbuq) signifies something that is easily shattered. The text reads, "Just as one breaks a potter’s jar that cannot be repaired" (Jeremiah 19:11). 4. The Valley of Slaughter The Valley of Ben Hinnom is renamed the Valley of Slaughter, signifying the place where the people will face God's wrath. This theme highlights the seriousness of their sin and the resulting divine retribution. The passage states, "This place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter" (Jeremiah 19:6). 5. Divine Sovereignty and Justice The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with sin. Despite the people's rebellion, God remains in control and will execute justice. The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores God's righteous judgment. The text declares, "I will bring upon this city and all its towns every disaster I have pronounced against them" (Jeremiah 19:15). Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Repentance Ask God to reveal any areas of sin in your life and to give you the grace to turn away from them. Pray for Sensitivity to God's Warnings Request a heart that is attentive to God's warnings and responsive to His guidance. Pray for Trust in God's Justice Seek to trust in God's righteous judgment and His ultimate plan for restoration. Pray for the Church Intercede for the global church to remain faithful to God's Word and to be a light in a world that often turns away from Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 19:2 — Where is the archaeological or historical evidence that child sacrifice actually took place in the Valley of Hinnom as described here? 2. Jeremiah 19:4–5 — If God commands against child sacrifice elsewhere, why would He allow His own people to practice it for so long without immediate judgment? 3. Jeremiah 19:9 — Is there any credible historical record apart from the Bible indicating that Jerusalem’s inhabitants resorted to cannibalism under siege? 4. Jeremiah 19:10–11 — How do we reconcile the prophecy that Jerusalem would be destroyed beyond repair with its later rebuilding and continued existence? 5. Jeremiah 19:7 — How can a loving or just deity sanction such extreme disasters upon an entire city, including the innocent, as portrayed here? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the clay jar symbolize in the context of Jeremiah's prophecy? 2. Why does God choose to reveal his judgement in the Valley of Ben Hinnom? 3. How does the chapter illustrate the seriousness of idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood? 4. What parallels can you draw between the disobedience of the people of Jerusalem and the challenges faced by society today? 5. How does this chapter make you reflect on the consequences of disregarding God's commandments? 6. Jeremiah 19 talks about severe punishment for disobedience. How does this concept fit into your understanding of a loving and forgiving God? 7. How can Christians today guard against modern forms of idolatry? 8. In what ways can the Church warn against and counter societal sins, much like Jeremiah did for Jerusalem? 9. How can the grim prophecy of Jeremiah 19 inspire us to uphold justice and righteousness? 10. Discuss a time when you felt like Jeremiah, tasked with delivering an unpopular message. How did you handle it? 11. In verses 7-9, God describes the horror that will befall Jerusalem. How can such an image inform our understanding of divine justice? 12. How can the prophecy of Topheth's defilement serve as a warning for contemporary cities? 13. How does Jeremiah 19 challenge your perception of societal norms that may contradict biblical teachings? 14. How can Jeremiah's obedience to God's instruction, despite its grim nature, inspire Christians today? 15. How does this chapter impact your understanding of God's sovereignty? 16. In today's world, what could be considered as 'innocent bloodshed' and how can Christians stand against it? 17. In what ways can you apply the lessons of Jeremiah 19 to improve your personal relationship with God? 18. How can the Church take active steps to prevent the consequences prophesied in Jeremiah 19 in today's society? 19. How would you react if you were in Jeremiah's position, knowing the devastating future of your city? 20. What actions can individuals and communities take to ensure they are heeding God's word and not turning a blind eye like the people of Jerusalem did? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions