Chapter 16: A Life of Separation and a Promise of Restoration
(21 Pesukim)
Overview
In this chapter, Hashem commands Yermiyahu to live a life of isolation as a sign of the coming calamity. The prophet is forbidden to marry or participate in mourning or feasting, symbolizing the end of normal life in Yehudah. Hashem explains that widespread death and exile will follow because of generations of idolatry and rebellion. Yet, amid judgment, Hashem promises a future redemption greater than the Exodus, when the people will return from lands of exile. The chapter closes with a vision of nations recognizing Hashem’s truth and power.
1. Yermiyahu’s Celibacy & Isolation (16:1-9)
Hashem instructs Yermiyahu:
- Do not take a wife or have children in this land.
- Do not enter houses of mourning or join in lamentation.
- Do not attend feasts or celebrations. “And to a house of feasting you shall not go to sit with them, to eat and to drink.”
These commands symbolize the coming devastation—family life, joy, and communal rituals will vanish.
- The reason for above – The Coming Calamity (16:2-9)
Hashem explains why he has commanded Yirmiyahu the above instructions:
- Children born in this land will die from disease and famine [and hence Hashem commanded Yirmiyahu to not marry and cause this misfortune to his children].
- They will not be mourned or buried; their bodies will lie like refuse on the ground.
- “Deaths of sicknesses shall they die; they shall neither be lamented nor buried; they shall be as dung on the face of the ground, and with the sword and with famine shall they perish, and their carcasses shall be for food for the fowl of the heaven and for the beasts of the earth. They shall not break [bread] for them in mourning, to console him for the dead, neither will they give them to drink a cup of consolation for his father or for his mother.”
- Death will strike young and old alike, and no one will perform traditional mourning rites or offer comfort.
- Even the sounds of weddings—the voices of bride and groom—will cease. “I will cut off in your days a voice of celebration and joy, a voice of a bridegroom, and a voice of a bride.”
Hashem declares: “I am removing My peace, My kindness, and My mercy from this people.”
- The People’s Question and Hashem’s Answer (16:10-13)
- Hashem tells Yermiyahu that when he will deliver the above message of calamity to the people, the people will ask him: “Why has Hashem pronounced such great evil against us? What sin have we committed?”
Hashem instructs Yermiyahu to respond to them as follows:
- Your ancestors abandoned Me and worshipped false gods.
- You have done even worse—each follows the stubbornness of an evil heart, refusing to listen.
- Therefore, you will be exiled to a foreign land and serve other gods day and night, without My favor.
- A Future Greater Than the Exodus (16:14-15)
Despite the harsh judgment, Hashem promises hope:
- A time will come when people will no longer swear by “Hashem who brought Israel out of Egypt,” But by “Hashem who brought Israel from the north and from all the lands of exile.”
- As Hashem will restore His people to the land given to their forefathers [and the second redemption will be much greater than the redemption from Egypt[1]].
- The Fishermen and Hunters who will give judgement (16:16-18)
Hashem uses vivid imagery to describe the punishment of the Jewish people:
- He will send “fishermen” to catch the people and “hunters” to track them down from mountains, hills, and rocky crevices—symbolizing relentless pursuit during judgment.
- Nothing is hidden from Hashem’s eyes; every sin is seen.
- Their punishment will be doubled for defiling His land with idols and abominations.
- Yermiyahu’s Prayer and the Nations’ Awakening (16:19-21)
Yermiyahu prays:
- “Hashem, You are my strength, my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
- He foresees nations coming from the ends of the earth, confessing:“Our ancestors handed down lies—worthless idols that cannot help.”
- They will ask: “Can humans make gods that are not truly gods?”
Hashem answers:
- “I will make them know—this time they will see My power and My might, and they will know My Name is Hashem.”
[1] Rashi 16:14
