Bible Commentaries
Jeremiah 16

Verses 1-21

The controversy was immediately followed by a new charge to the prophet. Jehovah called him to a life of personal asceticism, commanding that he abstain from both mourning and mirth. That is to say, he was to stand aloof from the people in order to deliver to them the messages of his God. His messages of judgment would provoke inquiry among the people concerning the reason of God's dealings with them. The prophet was charged to make clear to them that these things resulted from their own sin. Yet immediately Jehovah declared to His servant that His purpose in judgment was the ultimate deliverance of the people.

This final word the prophet answered with an affirmation of his confidence in Jehovah, first as to his own personal safety, and then as to the ultimate issue.