S.O.A.P. Bible Study Assignment for the Book of Jeremiah

Introduction

This study will guide you through the book of Jeremiah over 21 days, one chapter per day. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," delivers messages from God during a time of great turmoil in Judah. Through this study, you’ll explore themes of obedience, repentance, God’s faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Each day, follow the S.O.A.P. method for your study:

  1. Scripture: Write out a verse or two from the chapter that stands out to you.

  2. Observation: Reflect on what the passage is saying. What is happening? Who is involved? What is God’s message?

  3. Application: Think about how the passage applies to your life. What is God teaching you? How can you live it out?

  4. Prayer: Write a prayer asking God to help you understand and apply His Word.


Day 1: Jeremiah 1

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. How does God reassure Jeremiah about his calling?

    2. What does this chapter teach about God’s purpose for individuals?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How can you trust God when you feel unprepared?

    2. What gifts or talents has God given you to fulfill His plan?

  • Prayer: Lord, thank You for knowing me and setting me apart. Help me trust in Your purpose for my life and rely on Your strength when I feel unprepared.


Day 2: Jeremiah 2

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 2:13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What are the two sins God accuses His people of?

    2. How does this imagery of "broken cisterns" reflect the spiritual state of Judah?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How do people today turn to "broken cisterns" instead of relying on God?

    2. What can you do to depend on God as your "spring of living water" each day?

  • Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I’ve turned to things that cannot satisfy. Help me to trust and rely on You as my source of life and strength.


Day 3: Jeremiah 3

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 3:22 “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does God promise to do for those who return to Him?

    2. How does this chapter reveal God’s mercy?

  • Application Questions:

    1. Are there areas in your life where you need to return to God?

    2. How can you share God’s message of forgiveness with others?

  • Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your mercy and patience. Help me to turn back to You and stay faithful in my walk with You.


Day 4: Jeremiah 4

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 4:14 “Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What is God’s call to action in this verse?

    2. What consequences does Jeremiah warn about in this chapter?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How can you "wash the evil" from your heart?

    2. What steps can you take to align your thoughts with God’s will?

  • Prayer: Lord, cleanse my heart and mind. Help me to focus on what is good and pleasing to You.


Day 5: Jeremiah 5

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 5:1 “Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does this verse say about the state of Jerusalem?

    2. How does God’s willingness to forgive show His character?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How can you be a person who "deals honestly and seeks the truth"?

    2. What can you do to help others live in truth?

  • Prayer: Father, help me to be truthful and honest in all I do. May my life reflect Your truth to those around me.


Day 6: Jeremiah 6

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16 “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does God mean by “ancient paths”?

    2. What is the consequence of refusing to walk in God’s way?

  • Application Questions:

    1. What choices are you facing where you need to seek God’s guidance?

    2. How can you walk in God’s ways daily?

  • Prayer: Lord, help me to choose Your paths and follow Your ways, even when it’s hard. Give me rest for my soul as I trust in You.


Day 7: Jeremiah 7

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23 “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What promise does God give to those who obey Him?

    2. How does this chapter show the importance of true worship?

  • Application Questions:

    1. In what areas of your life is God calling you to obedience?

    2. How can you ensure your worship is genuine and not just a ritual?

  • Prayer: Father, I want to obey You fully and walk in Your ways. Help me to worship You with a sincere heart.


Day 8: Jeremiah 8

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 8:9 “The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What happens to those who reject God’s Word?

    2. How does this chapter highlight the consequences of ignoring God’s wisdom?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How can you prioritize God’s Word in your life?

    2. What steps can you take to grow in God’s wisdom?

  • Prayer: Lord, I don’t want to reject Your Word. Teach me to value and apply Your wisdom in every decision I make.


Day 9: Jeremiah 9

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does God want people to boast about?

    2. How does this passage describe God’s character?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How can you focus on knowing and understanding God?

    2. What steps can you take to reflect God’s kindness, justice, and righteousness in your life?

  • Prayer: Father, help me not to rely on my own strength or possessions, but to take pride in knowing You. Teach me to live a life that reflects Your character.


Day 10: Jeremiah 10

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 10:6 “No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. How does this chapter contrast the true God with idols?

    2. What attributes of God are highlighted in this chapter?

  • Application Questions:

    1. What are some "idols" in today’s world that can distract you from God?

    2. How can you focus on God’s greatness and power in your daily life?

  • Prayer: Lord, You alone are great and powerful. Help me to worship You above all else and to trust in Your strength.


Day 11: Jeremiah 11

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 11:7 “From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, ‘Obey me.’”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does this verse reveal about God’s persistence with His people?

    2. What covenant is being broken in this chapter?

  • Application Questions:

    1. How do you respond to God’s reminders and warnings in your life?

    2. What steps can you take to remain faithful to God’s covenant?

  • Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your patience and for calling me to obedience. Help me to walk faithfully in Your ways and honor Your covenant.


Day 12: Jeremiah 12

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1 “You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What question does Jeremiah ask God in this verse?

    2. How does God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

  • Application Questions:

    1. Have you ever struggled with understanding God’s justice? How do you seek answers?

    2. How can you trust God’s timing and plans when life feels unfair?

  • Prayer: Lord, even when I don’t understand, I trust Your justice and righteousness. Help me to have faith in Your plans and not lose hope.


Day 13: Jeremiah 13

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 13:11 “For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and Judah to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘to be my people for my renown and praise and honor. But they have not listened.’”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does the imagery of the belt represent?

    2. How does this chapter emphasize the consequences of disobedience?

  • Application Questions:

    1. What are some ways you can stay close to God in your daily life?

    2. How do you respond when God points out areas where you need to listen to Him?

  • Prayer: Father, I want to remain close to You and bring honor to Your name. Help me to listen to Your voice and follow Your guidance.


Day 14: Jeremiah 14

  • Scripture: Jeremiah 14:22 “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore, our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.”

  • Observation Questions:

    1. What does this verse teach about God’s sovereignty?

    2. How does this chapter describe the people’s desperation during drought?

  • Application Questions:

    1. Where do you place your hope when facing difficult circumstances?

    2. How can you trust God’s provision and sovereignty in your life?

  • Prayer: Lord, You are the source of all life and hope. Teach me to rely on You in every season and trust in Your provision.

    Day 11: Jeremiah 11

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 11:7 “From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, ‘Obey me.’”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does this verse reveal about God’s persistence with His people?

      2. What covenant is being broken in this chapter?

    • Application Questions:

      1. How do you respond to God’s reminders and warnings in your life?

      2. What steps can you take to remain faithful to God’s covenant?

    • Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your patience and for calling me to obedience. Help me to walk faithfully in Your ways and honor Your covenant.


    Day 12: Jeremiah 12

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1 “You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper?”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What question does Jeremiah ask God in this verse?

      2. How does God respond to Jeremiah’s concerns?

    • Application Questions:

      1. Have you ever struggled with understanding God’s justice? How do you seek answers?

      2. How can you trust God’s timing and plans when life feels unfair?

    • Prayer: Lord, even when I don’t understand, I trust Your justice and righteousness. Help me to have faith in Your plans and not lose hope.


    Day 13: Jeremiah 13

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 13:11 “For as a belt is bound around the waist, so I bound all the people of Israel and Judah to me,’ declares the Lord, ‘to be my people for my renown and praise and honor. But they have not listened.’”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does the imagery of the belt represent?

      2. How does this chapter emphasize the consequences of disobedience?

    • Application Questions:

      1. What are some ways you can stay close to God in your daily life?

      2. How do you respond when God points out areas where you need to listen to Him?

    • Prayer: Father, I want to remain close to You and bring honor to Your name. Help me to listen to Your voice and follow Your guidance.


    Day 14: Jeremiah 14

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 14:22 “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore, our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does this verse teach about God’s sovereignty?

      2. How does this chapter describe the people’s desperation during drought?

    • Application Questions:

      1. Where do you place your hope when facing difficult circumstances?

      2. How can you trust God’s provision and sovereignty in your life?

    • Prayer: Lord, You are the source of all life and hope. Teach me to rely on You in every season and trust in Your provision.



    Day 15: Jeremiah 15

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 15:19 “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does God promise to do for those who repent?

      2. What does this verse teach about speaking words that honor God?

    • Application Questions:

      1. Are there areas in your life where you need to repent to be restored by God?

      2. How can you ensure your words are worthy and reflect God’s truth?

    • Prayer: Lord, help me to repent of my sins and be restored to serve You. Let my words honor You and lead others to Your truth.



    Day 16: Jeremiah 16

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 16:17 “My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does this verse reveal about God’s knowledge of human actions?

      2. How does this chapter highlight the consequences of disobedience?

    • Application Questions:

      1. How does knowing that God sees all your ways affect your daily choices?

      2. What steps can you take to live transparently before God?

    • Prayer: Father, thank You for watching over me and guiding my steps. Help me to live a life that pleases You in every way.


    Day 17: Jeremiah 17

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 17:7-8 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What blessings come from trusting in the Lord?

      2. How does this imagery of a tree reflect spiritual strength?

    • Application Questions:

      1. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more?

      2. How can you deepen your spiritual roots through trust in God?

    • Prayer: Lord, teach me to trust You fully and rely on Your strength. Help me grow strong like a tree planted by the water.


    Day 18: Jeremiah 18

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 18:6 “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. How does God’s role as the potter reflect His authority over our lives?

      2. What is the significance of being moldable like clay in God’s hands?

    • Application Questions:

      1. How can you allow God to shape your life according to His purpose?

      2. Are there areas where you are resisting God’s work in your life?

    • Prayer: Father, I surrender myself to You. Mold me and shape me into the person You want me to be.


    Day 19: Jeremiah 19

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 19:11 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired.’”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What does the broken jar symbolize in this chapter?

      2. How does this chapter reflect God’s judgment on unrepentant sin?

    • Application Questions:

      1. Are there areas in your life where you need to turn back to God to avoid judgment?

      2. How can you live in a way that honors God’s holiness?

    • Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge Your holiness and justice. Help me to live in a way that pleases You and brings glory to Your name.


    Day 20: Jeremiah 20

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 20:9 “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. How does Jeremiah describe his passion for God’s Word?

      2. What challenges does Jeremiah face for speaking God’s truth?

    • Application Questions:

      1. How can you develop a passion for God’s Word like Jeremiah?

      2. What can you do to boldly share God’s truth with others?

    • Prayer: Lord, let Your Word burn in my heart like a fire. Give me the courage to speak Your truth, no matter the challenges I face.


    Day 21: Jeremiah 21

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 21:8 “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.’”

    • Observation Questions:

      1. What choice does God give to His people in this verse?

      2. How does this chapter emphasize the consequences of obedience versus disobedience?

    • Application Questions:

      1. What choices are you facing where you need to choose God’s way of life?

      2. How can you encourage others to choose the way of life that God offers?

    • Prayer: Father, help me to choose the way of life in all I do. Guide my steps and help me to lead others toward You.

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    Day 22: Jeremiah 22

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 22:3 – "This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed."
    • Observation: God commands the kings of Judah to act justly and care for the oppressed, but they have failed to lead righteously.
    • Application: Think about ways you can practice justice and kindness, especially towards those in need.
    • Prayer: Lord, help me to do what is right and care for others as You care for me. Teach me to be just and fair in all I do.

    Day 23: Jeremiah 23

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5 – "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely."
    • Observation: God promises a future King (the Messiah) who will reign with wisdom and justice, contrasting the failures of Judah’s leaders.
    • Application: Jesus is the righteous King. How can you trust His leadership in your life today?
    • Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Jesus, the righteous King. Help me to follow His example and trust His leadership.

    Day 24: Jeremiah 24

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 24:7 – "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."
    • Observation: God speaks of restoring His people, giving them a new heart to know Him and return to Him wholeheartedly.
    • Application: God desires a close relationship with you. Spend time today reflecting on how you can draw nearer to Him.
    • Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving me a heart to know You. Help me to love You more each day and follow You with my whole heart.

    Day 25: Jeremiah 25

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 25:11 – "This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years."
    • Observation: God warns of a 70-year exile in Babylon as a consequence of Judah’s disobedience, but He also promises restoration afterward.
    • Application: Choices have consequences. Reflect on how obedience to God protects you from unnecessary hardships.
    • Prayer: Lord, help me to make wise choices that honor You. Thank You for Your mercy and for guiding me back when I stray.

    Day 26: Jeremiah 26

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 26:13 – "Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you."
    • Observation: God offers mercy if the people repent, showing His patience and willingness to forgive.
    • Application: Repentance is always an option. Think about any area in your life where you need to turn back to God.
    • Prayer: Lord, thank You for being patient with me. Help me to recognize my mistakes and turn to You for forgiveness and guidance.

    Day 27: Jeremiah 27

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 27:6 – "Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him."
    • Observation: God uses King Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument to bring judgment, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations.
    • Application: Trust in God’s control over all things, even when it’s hard to understand His plan.
    • Prayer: Lord, I trust that You are in control of everything. Help me to rest in Your sovereignty and follow Your will.

    Day 28: Jeremiah 28

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 28:9 – "But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true."
    • Observation: Jeremiah warns against false prophets, reminding the people to discern true messages from God by their outcomes.
    • Application: Be careful to seek truth from God’s Word and discern whether teachings align with His message.
    • Prayer: Lord, help me to recognize Your truth and not be deceived by false teachings. Give me wisdom to follow Your Word.

    Day 29: Jeremiah 29

    • Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
    • Observation: Even in exile, God promises hope and a future for His people, encouraging them to trust His plan.
    • Application: Remember that God has a good plan for your life, even during challenging times. Trust in His promises.
    • Prayer: Lord, thank You for having a plan for my life. Help me to trust in Your promises and walk in faith every day.