Yirmiyahu 15-16

In perek 15 we once again encounter Yirmiyahu's personal life and the duality which troubles his tortured soul. In the first section of this perek (1-9), Yirmiyahu responds to God's refusal to accept his prayers which was discussed in perek 14. God tells Yirmiyahu that even if the greatest leaders of past generations would stand before Him in prayer, they wouldn't be able to save the nation. The perek continues to describe the many facets of the exile: plagues, death by the sword, famine, and captivity. In the second section of the perek (10-21), Yirmiyahu laments the suffering, mockery, and isolation he has endured and gives expression to the anguish caused by his life's mission. God's response to this outcry encourages Yirmiyahu to continue marching forward despite his desperation.

Perek 16 continues the portrayal of Yirmiyahu as a man struggling with his divinely ordained fate to live a life which reflects his tragic prophecies. The perek opens with an unbearable and unusual commandment: Yirmiyahu is forbidden to marry and create a family; The instruction to disconnect from general society is meant to symbolize the future destruction which is described in great detail by the continuation of the perek.