Jer 16:1-4 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Jer 16:1-18: 16:1-18 Jeremiah’s life was to be a sign or a parable (see thematic note for Prophetic Sign Acts at end of chapter), as the Lord instructed him not to marry (Jer 16:1-4 ) and not to go to funerals (16:5-7 ) or celebrations (16:8-9 ). Summary for Jer 16:1-2: 16:1-2 In Hebrew society, bachelors were rare and males were expected to get married in their early twenties. However, the severe crisis of the time apparently required Jeremiah to be a divine messenger without family obligations. He needed to depend entirely on the Lord (cp. 1 Cor 7:26-35 ).

a16:1-18►

bJer 16:1-4►

c16:5-7►

d16:8-9►

e16:1-2►

f1 Cor 7:26-35►

g16:3-4►

‏ Jeremiah 16:1-4

Summary for Jer 16:1-18: 16:1-18 ^a Jeremiah’s life was to be a sign or a parable (see thematic note for Prophetic Sign Acts at end of chapter), as the Lord instructed him not to marry (Jer 16:1-4 ^b) and not to go to funerals (16:5-7 ^c) or celebrations (16:8-9 ^d).
Summary for Jer 16:1-2: 16:1-2 ^e In Hebrew society, bachelors were rare and males were expected to get married in their early twenties. However, the severe crisis of the time apparently required Jeremiah to be a divine messenger without family obligations. He needed to depend entirely on the Lord (cp. 1 Cor 7:26-35 ^f).
Summary for Jer 16:3-4: 16:3-4 ^g Jeremiah’s lack of children was the basis for a lesson about the future. The time would soon come when so many children and parents would die that no one would remain to mourn for them or bury them.