Jeremiah 16:2, "“You shall not take a wife, neither shall you have sons or daughters, in this place,” is a command from God to the prophet Jeremiah, forbidding him from marrying and having children in Judah. It's a symbolic act meant to convey a powerful message about the coming desolation and suffering that would befall the people of Judah due to their disobedience to God.

Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:

Imminent Calamity: God is communicating that the disaster approaching Judah will be so severe that having a family will be a source of unbearable pain and sorrow rather than joy and blessing. Children would be subject to the horrors of war, famine, and exile.

Loss of Hope and Future: The command not to have children signifies the loss of hope for the future. God is telling Jeremiah that the normal cycle of life, including marriage and family, will be disrupted by the coming devastation.

Judgement on Judah Not having offspring could be interpreted as a judgement of Judah's unfaithfulness toward God. With the absence of new life, the sins of the older generation will not be followed.

Unique Prophetic Calling: This was a specific, unusual command directed at Jeremiah. He was called to embody the message of God's judgment through his personal life. His celibacy and childlessness would serve as a constant reminder to the people of the impending doom.

Desolation and Death: The absence of marriage and children also symbolizes the widespread death and desolation that would sweep through the land. People would die in such numbers that there would be little opportunity for marriage and family life to continue.

In essence, God is telling Jeremiah that the times are so dire that it's better not to bring children into the world, as they would only face immense suffering. Jeremiah's personal sacrifice becomes a living parable, demonstrating the severity of God's judgment and the depth of the tragedy about to unfold in Judah.