Jeremiah 15 and 16 contain conversations between Jeremiah and the Lord. God says that Jeremiah should not plead the cause for Judah and Israel. His mind is made up. They will pay for their bad decisions.

Jeremiah points out that he is suffering because of the words the Lord has given him to say. It is not easy to tell others that they are going the wrong way. The prophet sets himself up for ridicule and mistreatment.

God understands Jeremiah’s pain but encourages him to continue on. They may fight against him but in the end Jeremiah will prevail. God tells Jeremiah to keep himself separate from the people. They will be banished from their land and God does not want him to be included with them. The people need to learn that God is in charge and has the power to discipline His people.

Psalm 116  is a song of love and praise to God who has saved the writer from harm.