Jeremiah 16:2

2 "You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place."

Jeremiah 16:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 16:2

Thou shall not take thee a wife
Not because it was unlawful; for it was lawful for prophets to marry, and they did; but because it was not advisable, on account of the calamities and distresses which were coming upon the nation; which would be more bearable by him alone, than if he had a wife, which would increase his care, concern, and sorrow. Neither shall thou have sons nor daughters in this place;
in Anathoth, says Kimchi; but it is most likely that Jerusalem in particular is meant, though the whole land of Judea in general may be designed; and though nothing is more desirable than to have children to build up the family, and bear and continue a man's name for futurity, yet in times of public calamity these do but add to the affliction.

Jeremiah 16:2 In-Context

1 The word of the LORD also came to me saying,
2 "You shall not take a wife for yourself nor have sons or daughters in this place."
3 For thus says the LORD concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bear them, and their fathers who beget them in this land:
4 "They will die of deadly diseases, they will not be lamented or buried; they will be as dung on the surface of the ground and come to an end by sword and famine, and their carcasses will become food for the birds of the sky and for the beasts of the earth."
5 For thus says the LORD , "Do not enter a house of mourning, or go to lament or to console them; for I have withdrawn My peace from this people," declares the LORD , "My lovingkindness and compassion.
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