Jeremiah 16:1-21
Because he himself is "precious" in the eyes of the LORD, Jeremiah has been invited to keep himself separate from that which is "vile" (Jeremiah 15:19), that is, from this evil people. It is impossible to be mixed up with evil and at the same time bear witness against those who practise it. God does not even permit this young man to raise a family in such a place. All this is to show clearly that he cannot have a permanent residence in Jerusalem on the eve of the judgment which threatens that city. Moreover — and this is a word to us all — Jeremiah must as a true Nazarite abstain from all participation in the feasting and merry-making of a condemned people. But that is certainly no great loss for anyone who finds his joys in the Word of his God (Jeremiah 15:16). The more that the Lord and His word become our delight, the less shall we desire the deceitful pleasures which the world may offer us.
Vv. 10-21 mention the following: the chastisement of the LORD on His people; the motive behind this chastisement; but also the promise of a future restoration (v. 15). The powerful intervention of the LORD by means of "fishers" and "hunters" to bring back the children of Israel will have the effect of causing Him to be recognised also by the Gentile nations (v. 19).