Jeremiah 16:5
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: "Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion," declares the LORD.
For this is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a direct message from God, emphasizing the divine authority and seriousness of the forthcoming words. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the stage for a solemn pronouncement, reminding the reader of the prophetic role of Jeremiah as a mouthpiece for God.

Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal
The instruction not to enter a house of mourning is significant. In ancient Israel, funeral meals were part of mourning customs, symbolizing community support and shared grief. By commanding Jeremiah to abstain, God is indicating a withdrawal of His comfort and presence from the people due to their persistent disobedience. This act serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the severity of the people's spiritual state.

Do not go to mourn or show sympathy
Mourning and showing sympathy were important cultural practices, reflecting compassion and solidarity. The Hebrew words for "mourn" and "sympathy" convey deep emotional engagement and support. God's command to refrain from these acts highlights the gravity of the situation; it is a divine statement that the time for intercession and compassion has passed, and judgment is imminent.

because I have withdrawn My blessing
The withdrawal of God's blessing is a profound statement of divine displeasure. In the Hebrew context, "blessing" (ברכה, "berakah") encompasses prosperity, protection, and favor. God's removal of His blessing signifies a complete reversal of fortune for the people, indicating that their actions have led to a severance of the covenant relationship.

My love and My compassion from this people
The mention of "love" (חסד, "chesed") and "compassion" (רחמים, "rachamim") reflects God's deep, covenantal commitment to His people. These terms are rich in meaning, denoting steadfast love and mercy. Their withdrawal is a stark indication of the people's breach of covenant and the resulting divine judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
The prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and judgment through the prophet Jeremiah.

3. The People of Judah
The recipients of God's message through Jeremiah, who are facing impending judgment due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry.

4. Funeral Meal
A cultural practice in ancient Israel where people gathered to mourn and show sympathy for the deceased and their family.

5. Judgment
The event of God's impending punishment on Judah for their sins, as indicated by the withdrawal of His peace, loving devotion, and compassion.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Judgment
God's withdrawal of peace, loving devotion, and compassion is a direct response to persistent sin and rebellion. It serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of disobedience.

The Role of the Prophet
Jeremiah's instruction not to mourn symbolizes the depth of God's judgment. Prophets often acted out messages to convey God's word powerfully.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to a separation from God's peace and compassion. This passage challenges us to examine areas of disobedience in our lives and seek repentance.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's actions, though severe, are just and sovereign. Understanding His character helps us trust His judgments and seek His mercy.

Hope Beyond Judgment
While this passage focuses on judgment, the broader account of Scripture assures us of God's desire for restoration and reconciliation with His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jeremiah 16:5 reflect the character of God in terms of justice and mercy?

2. In what ways can we see the consequences of sin in our own lives and communities today?

3. How does the instruction to Jeremiah not to mourn challenge our understanding of cultural practices in light of God's commands?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment on Judah and the warnings given to the church in the New Testament?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's character, even when facing His discipline or judgment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 48:22
This verse also speaks of the absence of peace for the wicked, highlighting the consequences of disobedience to God.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Contrasts the withdrawal of God's compassion in Jeremiah 16:5 with the renewal of His mercies, emphasizing the hope of restoration.

Ezekiel 24:16-17
Similar instructions are given to Ezekiel not to mourn publicly, symbolizing the severity of God's judgment.

Hosea 1:6
Illustrates the withdrawal of God's compassion as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness.

Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, reflecting God's desire for His people to return to Him despite their persistent rebellion.
Commands CountermandedS. Conway Jeremiah 16:1-9
The House of Mourning and the House of Feasting Alike ForbiddenD. Young Jeremiah 16:5-9
People
Israelites, Jeremiah
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem
Topics
Affirmation, Bemoan, Blessing, Compassion, Console, Declares, Enter, Funeral, Grief, Kindness, Lament, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Meal, Mercies, Mercy, Mourn, Mourning, Mourning-feast, Peace, Pity, Removed, Says, Songs, Sorrow, Steadfast, Sympathy, Tender, Thus, Wailing, Weeping, Withdrawn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 16:5

     4476   meals

Jeremiah 16:5-6

     5963   sympathy

Library
Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth.
Having thus cleared up this truth, we should come to speak of the way of believers making use of him as the truth, in several cases wherein they will stand in need of him as the truth. But ere we come to the particulars, we shall first propose some general uses of this useful point. First. This point of truth serveth to discover unto us, the woful condition of such as are strangers to Christ the truth; and oh, if it were believed! For, 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras, Falls to Plundering.
1. And thus were the disturbances of Galilee quieted, when, upon their ceasing to prosecute their civil dissensions, they betook themselves to make preparations for the war with the Romans. Now in Jerusalem the high priest Artanus, and do as many of the men of power as were not in the interest of the Romans, both repaired the walls, and made a great many warlike instruments, insomuch that in all parts of the city darts and all sorts of armor were upon the anvil. Although the multitude of the young
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Healing the Centurion's Servant.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 1, 5-13; ^C Luke VII. 1-10. ^c 1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, ^a 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. ^c he entered into Capernaum. [Jesus proceeded from the mountain to Capernaum, which was now his home, or headquarters. The multitudes which are now mentioned for the third time were not wearied by his sermon, and so continued to follow him. Their presence showed the popularity of Jesus, and also
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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