A Prophet in a Hard Place
A Study Guide for Standing Firm When Truth Isn’t Popular
1. Introduction: Jeremiah’s Calling and Context
Jeremiah prophesied to Judah during its final decades before the Babylonian exile (roughly 627–586 BC).
Called by God as a young man (Jeremiah 1:5–10), he faced rejection, persecution, and isolation.
His message: Judgment is coming—unless the people repent.
Reflection: Jeremiah reminds us that being faithful to God won’t always make you popular—but it will make you obedient.
2. Judah’s Sin and Stubbornness (Jeremiah 2–10)
The people had traded living water for broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13).
Idolatry, injustice, and false religion filled the land.
God repeatedly warned them—but they refused to listen.
Takeaway: When people resist correction, they risk destruction. God’s patience is great—but not endless.
3. False Prophets and Real Conviction (Jeremiah 11–20)
Jeremiah is constantly opposed by false prophets saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).
He preaches truth even when imprisoned, beaten, or mocked.
He’s honest with God—lamenting, weeping, even wishing he’d never been born (Jeremiah 20:14–18).
Lesson: It’s okay to wrestle with your calling—as long as you keep walking with God through it.
4. Judgment Is Coming (Jeremiah 21–29)
The Babylonians are coming—and it’s not just political; it’s God’s judgment.
Jeremiah tells King Zedekiah and the people to surrender rather than resist.
Hananiah, a false prophet, dies after claiming the exile won’t happen.
Truth: Telling people what they want to hear might win favor—but telling the truth pleases God.
5. Hope in the Midst of Exile (Jeremiah 30–33)
God promises restoration after judgment.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you…” is part of a letter to exiles—telling them to settle down and seek the good of the city.
The New Covenant is promised (Jeremiah 31:31–34)—a law written on hearts, not tablets.
Hope: Even in the middle of discipline, God has a plan—and it leads to redemption.
6. The Collapse of Judah (Jeremiah 34–45)
King after king refuses to listen.
Jerusalem is surrounded, starved, and eventually destroyed by Babylon.
Jeremiah weeps as the temple is burned and the people are taken away.
He remains in the land—and is eventually taken to Egypt against his will.
Reminder: Disobedience has consequences, but God doesn’t abandon His Word or His people.
7. Prophecies to the Nations (Jeremiah 46–51)
God speaks judgment not only to Judah but to Egypt, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Babylon, and others.
Babylon, though used by God to discipline Judah, will also be judged.
Lesson: No nation is above God’s justice—and no one is beneath His notice.
8. Final Note of Hope (Jeremiah 52)
A historical summary of Jerusalem’s fall.
Ends with King Jehoiachin released from prison and given a seat of honor—a small glimpse of restoration.
Encouragement: God’s story doesn’t end in exile—it ends in return, rebuilding, and grace.
9. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”
Jeremiah 2:13 – “They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters…”
Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things…”
Jeremiah 20:9 – “His word is in my heart like a fire… I cannot hold it in.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you…”
Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts…”
10. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
What does Jeremiah’s calling teach us about trusting God with our insecurities?
How does Judah’s resistance to correction reflect attitudes we still see today?
Why is it dangerous to listen to feel-good lies instead of hard truth?
What does the New Covenant promise—and how is it fulfilled in Christ?
How do you respond when God’s truth is hard or unpopular?
Where do you see God’s mercy woven even into Jeremiah’s hardest messages?