Jeremiah Buys Hanamel’s Field 1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 2At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, which was in the palace of the king of Judah. 3For Zedekiah king of Judah had imprisoned him, saying: “Why are you prophesying like this? You claim that the LORD says, ‘Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will capture it. 4Zedekiah king of Judah will not escape from the hands of the Chaldeans,a but he will surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and will speak with him face to face and see him eye to eye. 5He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’” 6Jeremiah replied, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying: 7Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ 8Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’” Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD. 9So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanamel, and I weighed out seventeen shekels of silver.b 10I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. 11Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— 12and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. 13In their sight I instructed Baruch, 14“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Take these deeds—both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase—and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time. 15For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” Jeremiah Prays for Understanding 16After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD: 17“Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! 18You show loving devotion to thousands but lay the iniquity of the fathers into the lapsc of their children after them, O great and mighty God whose name is the LORD of Hosts, 19the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. 20You performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and You do so to this very day, both in Israel and among all mankind. And You have made a name for Yourself, as is the case to this day. 21You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror. 22You gave them this land that You had sworn to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. 23They came in and possessed it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law. They failed to perform all that You commanded them to do, and so You have brought upon them all this disaster. 24See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! 25Yet You, O Lord GOD, have said to me, ‘Buy for yourself the field with silver and call in witnesses, even though the city has been delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans!’” The LORD Answers Jeremiah 26Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 27“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? 28Therefore this is what the LORD says: Behold, I am about to deliver this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will capture it. 29And the Chaldeans who are fighting against this city will come in, set it on fire, and burn it, along with the houses of those who provoked Me to anger by burning incense to Baal on their rooftops and by pouring out drink offerings to other gods. 30For the children of Israel and of Judah have done nothing but evil in My sight from their youth; indeed, they have done nothing but provoke Me to anger by the work of their hands, declares the LORD. 31For this city has aroused My wrath and fury from the day it was built until now. Therefore I will remove it from My presence 32because of all the evil the children of Israel and of Judah have done to provoke Me to anger—they, their kings, their officials, their priests and prophets, the men of Judah, and the residents of Jerusalem. 33They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Though I taught them again and again,d they would not listen or respond to discipline. 34They have placed their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it. 35They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin. A Promise of Restoration 36Now therefore, about this city of which you say, ‘It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by sword and famine and plague,’ this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37I will surely gather My people from all the lands to which I have banished them in My furious anger and great wrath, and I will return them to this place and make them dwell in safety. 38They will be My people, and I will be their God.e 39I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. 40I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts, so that they will never turn away from Me. 41Yes, I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and with all My soul. 42For this is what the LORD says: Just as I have brought all this great disaster on this people, so I will bring on them all the good I have promised them. 43And fields will be bought in this land about which you are saying, ‘It is a desolation, without man or beast; it has been delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans.’ 44Fields will be purchased with silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah—the cities of the hill country, the foothills,f and the Negev—because I will restore them from captivity,g declares the LORD.” Footnotes: 4 a That is, the Babylonians; also in verses 5, 24, 25, 28, 29, and 43 9 b 17 shekels is approximately 6.8 ounces or 193.8 grams of silver. 18 c Hebrew into the bosom 33 d Literally I taught them, rising up early and teaching, 38 e Cited in 2 Corinthians 6:16 44 f Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea 44 g Or restore their fortunes Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Jeremiah 32 Summary A Promise of RestorationVerses 1–5 – The Siege and the Prophet in Prison Verses 6–15 – Buying a Field Amid War Verses 16–25 – Jeremiah’s Prayer of Wonder Verses 26–35 – God Recounts the People’s Rebellion Verses 36–44 – A Certain Future: Restoration and Joy Jeremiah 32 takes place amidst the turmoil of the siege of Jerusalem, setting a profound backdrop for a tale of divine prophecy, unwavering faith, and hope for restoration. The chapter details Jeremiah's surprising real estate purchase, his powerful prayer, and God's reassuring promise of restoration. It is a symbolic act of trust and affirmation in God's promises amidst seemingly impossible circumstances. Historical Setting and Political Climate • 587 B.C. sets the scene. Babylon, the rising superpower under Nebuchadnezzar, has surrounded Jerusalem for a second siege (2 Kings 25:1-2). • Zedekiah is a puppet king placed by Babylon but later rebels, sparking the invasion (Jeremiah 52:3). • Jeremiah has already warned for decades that rejecting covenant loyalty will bring Babylonian domination (Jeremiah 25:3-11). Legal Customs: Land Redemption and Sealed Deeds • Leviticus 25:23-25 lets the nearest relative redeem family land so it stays within the tribe. Hanamel’s request follows that rule. • Two deeds were standard: one open for quick reference, one sealed for legal disputes. Jeremiah stores both “in an earthen jar” (v. 14) much like the Dead Sea Scroll jars found at Qumran, showing the practice was common. • Clay jars protected documents from moisture and insects. Discoveries at Lachish and Arad have turned up ostraca (inked pot-shards) from this very period. Prophetic Symbolism in the Purchase • Buying land while enemy armies camp outside the walls looks foolish. It dramatizes faith in God’s word that life will return. • Similar acted-out messages appear throughout Jeremiah: wearing a yoke (Jeremiah 27), hiding a linen belt (Jeremiah 13), smashing a pot (Jeremiah 19). Here, the symbol is constructive instead of destructive—hope instead of warning. • Isaiah used a comparable sign when he named his son Shear-jashub, “A remnant will return” (Isaiah 7:3). Prayer and Response: Wrestling and Rest Jeremiah’s prayer (vv. 17-25) balances awe and confusion. He rehearses God’s past acts (Exodus 32:11-12) and ends with a question. God replies by first restating His strength—“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (v. 27)—then explaining the judgment and the future mercy. The pattern mirrors many psalms of lament where honesty opens the way to deeper trust (Psalm 13). Echoes of the New Covenant • Verse 40, “I will make an everlasting covenant with them,” echoes Jeremiah 31:31-34 where God promises to write His law on their hearts. • The gift of “one heart and one way” anticipates Acts 4:32 where early believers are described as “one heart and soul.” • The assurance that God “will not turn away from doing them good” is reflected in Romans 8:28, God working all things for good to those who love Him. Archaeological Insights • Clay bullae (seal impressions) bearing names of officials contemporaneous with Jeremiah have been found in the City of David, confirming the era’s administrative practices. • Tablets from Babylon list rations for “Yau-kin, king of Judah,” widely identified as Jehoiachin, validating the exile narrative (2 Kings 25:27-30). • Lachish letters, written during the final days before Jerusalem’s fall, show the desperation of Judah’s remaining outposts—precisely the fear backdrop of Jeremiah 32. Connections to Other Scriptures • Ruth 4:1-10 – Boaz redeems land and marries Ruth, demonstrating the kinsman-redeemer principle behind Jeremiah’s purchase. • Hebrews 10:35-39 – Encouragement to keep confidence amidst hardship, just as Jeremiah invested in future promises. • Zechariah 10:6 – God’s pledge, “I will strengthen the house of Judah… for I have compassion on them,” mirrors the restoration promised here. Living Lessons • Faith makes long-range decisions that look risky in the short run. Obedience may require “buying a field” in our own crises. • God welcomes honest questions. Jeremiah voiced bewilderment and received a fuller picture. • Judgment and mercy are not competing themes; God disciplines but also restores, always keeping His promises. • Hope is anchored not in current indicators but in God’s character—“Nothing is too difficult for You” (v. 17). Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This verse connects with Jeremiah's act of faith in purchasing the field. Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. This reinforces the idea of trusting God's plan. Ezekiel 36:26-27 These verses speak of God giving a new heart and spirit, paralleling the promise of the New Covenant in Jeremiah 32. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ControlDespite the chaos surrounding Jerusalem, God remains in control. Jeremiah 32:17 declares, Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Faith in Action Jeremiah's purchase of the field (Jeremiah 32:9-12) is an act of faith, symbolizing hope and future restoration. It demonstrates trust in God's promises even when circumstances seem bleak. The Certainty of God's Promises In Jeremiah 32:27, God reassures, Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me? This underscores the certainty and reliability of God's promises. Judgment and Mercy The chapter highlights both God's judgment due to Israel's disobedience (Jeremiah 32:28-35) and His mercy, promising restoration and a new covenant (Jeremiah 32:37-41). The New Covenant Jeremiah 32:40 speaks of an everlasting covenant, pointing forward to the New Covenant through Christ, characterized by an internal transformation and a personal relationship with God. Practical Applications Trust in God's PlanLike Jeremiah, we are called to trust God's plan, even when it seems illogical or difficult. Our faith should be rooted in His sovereignty and promises. Act in Faith We should be willing to take steps of faith, trusting that God can bring restoration and hope out of seemingly hopeless situations. Embrace God's Promises Regularly remind yourself of God's promises in Scripture, allowing them to guide and encourage you through life's challenges. Seek a Personal Relationship with God Embrace the New Covenant through Christ, seeking a deep, personal relationship with God that transforms your heart and life. People 1. JeremiahThe prophet and central figure in the book, who is instructed by God to purchase a field as a sign of hope for the future restoration of Israel. His actions and prophecies are pivotal in conveying God's messages to the people of Judah. 2. Zedekiah The king of Judah during the time of Jeremiah's prophecy. He is depicted as a ruler who is resistant to Jeremiah's messages and ultimately faces the consequences of his disobedience to God. 3. Hanamel Jeremiah's cousin, the son of Shallum. He approaches Jeremiah to offer him the right of redemption to purchase his field in Anathoth, which Jeremiah accepts as a symbolic act of faith in God's promise of restoration. 4. Baruch The son of Neriah, who serves as Jeremiah's scribe. He is responsible for recording the deeds of the purchase and ensuring that the transaction is properly documented and preserved. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The central divine figure who communicates with Jeremiah, instructing him on the symbolic purchase of the field and providing assurances of future restoration for Israel. The Hebrew name Yahweh is often translated as "the LORD" in English Bibles, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. Places 1. JerusalemJerusalem is the central city in this chapter, where the events take place. It is the capital of Judah and the location of the Temple. In Jeremiah 32, Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, which is a fulfillment of God's judgment due to the people's disobedience. 2. Anathoth Anathoth is the hometown of Jeremiah, located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem. It is significant in this chapter because Jeremiah's cousin, Hanamel, comes from Anathoth to offer Jeremiah the right of redemption to purchase a field there. This act symbolizes hope and future restoration for Israel. 3. Chaldeans While not a specific geographic location, the Chaldeans refer to the Babylonian people who are besieging Jerusalem. The Chaldeans are significant as instruments of God's judgment against Judah, as prophesied by Jeremiah. Events 1. Jeremiah ImprisonedJeremiah is confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah by King Zedekiah because he prophesied the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians (Jeremiah 32:1-5). The Hebrew root for "imprisoned" (אָסַר, 'asar) indicates being bound or confined. 2. The Word of the LORD Comes to Jeremiah While imprisoned, Jeremiah receives a word from the LORD, instructing him about a future event involving his cousin Hanamel (Jeremiah 32:6-7). 3. Purchase of the Field Jeremiah is told by God that his cousin Hanamel will offer him a field in Anathoth to redeem, and Jeremiah is to buy it as a sign of hope for the future (Jeremiah 32:8-9). The Hebrew term for "redeem" (גָּאַל, ga'al) refers to the act of a kinsman-redeemer. 4. The Transaction Jeremiah buys the field from Hanamel, weighing out seventeen shekels of silver, and records the transaction in a deed, which is then sealed and witnessed (Jeremiah 32:10-12). 5. Preservation of the Deed Jeremiah instructs Baruch to place the sealed deed in a clay jar to preserve it for a long time, symbolizing the eventual return of the people to the land (Jeremiah 32:13-15). 6. Jeremiah's Prayer Jeremiah prays to the LORD, acknowledging His great power and the fulfillment of His promises, despite the current siege and impending destruction (Jeremiah 32:16-25). 7. God's Response The LORD responds to Jeremiah, affirming His sovereignty and the certainty of the coming judgment due to the people's sins, but also promising restoration and a new covenant (Jeremiah 32:26-44). The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a binding agreement or promise. Topics 1. Jeremiah's Imprisonment (Jeremiah 32:1-5)In the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, Jeremiah is confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah. This occurs because he prophesied that Jerusalem would be handed over to the king of Babylon. The Hebrew root for "imprisonment" (אָסַר, 'asar) conveys the idea of being bound or restricted, reflecting Jeremiah's physical and prophetic constraints. 2. The Purchase of a Field (Jeremiah 32:6-15) Despite the impending Babylonian siege, God instructs Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. This act symbolizes hope and future restoration. The Hebrew word for "purchase" (קָנָה, qanah) implies acquiring or redeeming, highlighting the prophetic act of faith in God's promises. 3. Jeremiah's Prayer (Jeremiah 32:16-25) After purchasing the field, Jeremiah prays to God, acknowledging His great power and recounting Israel's history. The prayer reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. The Hebrew term for "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) emphasizes intercession and supplication. 4. God's Response to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:26-35) God responds to Jeremiah, affirming His power to do anything and explaining the reasons for the coming judgment on Jerusalem due to the people's idolatry and disobedience. The Hebrew root for "response" (עָנָה, 'anah) suggests a reply or answer, indicating God's direct communication with His prophet. 5. Promise of Restoration (Jeremiah 32:36-44) Despite the judgment, God promises to gather His people from all the lands where they have been scattered and to bring them back to their land. He will make an everlasting covenant with them, ensuring their prosperity and faithfulness. The Hebrew word for "restore" (שׁוּב, shuv) means to return or bring back, underscoring the theme of redemption and renewal. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and OmniscienceJeremiah 32 emphasizes God's control over historical events and His knowledge of future outcomes. In verse 17, Jeremiah acknowledges, "Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You." The Hebrew word for "difficult" (פָּלָא, pala) implies something extraordinary or beyond human capability, underscoring God's supreme power. 2. Judgment and Consequence of Sin The chapter highlights the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. In verse 30, God declares, "For the sons of Israel and the sons of Judah have done nothing but evil in My sight from their youth." The Hebrew word for "evil" (רַע, ra) indicates moral wickedness, reflecting the seriousness of their sin and the resulting judgment. 3. Hope and Restoration Despite the impending judgment, God promises restoration. In verse 37, He says, "I will surely gather them from all the lands to which I have banished them in My furious anger and great wrath, and I will return them to this place and make them dwell in safety." The Hebrew root for "gather" (קָבַץ, qabats) conveys the idea of bringing together, symbolizing hope and future restoration. 4. Covenant Faithfulness God's commitment to His covenant with Israel is reaffirmed. In verse 40, He promises, "I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never turn away from doing good to them, and I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will never turn away from Me." The term "everlasting" (עוֹלָם, olam) signifies the perpetual nature of God's promises. 5. Faith in Action Jeremiah's purchase of a field during the siege of Jerusalem serves as an act of faith in God's promise of restoration. In verse 25, Jeremiah recounts, "Yet You, O Lord GOD, have said to me, 'Buy for yourself the field with money and call in witnesses,' even though the city has been handed over to the Chaldeans." This act symbolizes trust in God's word despite present circumstances. 6. God's Mercy and Compassion The chapter reveals God's willingness to forgive and restore. In verse 41, God expresses, "I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will faithfully plant them in this land with all My heart and soul." The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) indicates joy and delight, reflecting God's compassionate nature. 7. The Power of Prayer Jeremiah's prayer in verses 16-25 demonstrates the importance of seeking God in times of distress. His prayer acknowledges God's attributes and past deeds, serving as a model for believers to approach God with reverence and trust. Answering Tough Questions 1. Jeremiah 32:9–15: How can the account of Jeremiah purchasing land during a siege be historically or archaeologically verified if the city was on the brink of destruction? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why was Jeremiah imprisoned? What does this tell us about the reaction to God's messages? 2. Why was the purchase of the field significant during the Babylonian siege? How does this relate to our faith in God during turbulent times? 3. How did Jeremiah respond to God's command to buy the field? What does this say about obedience even when we don't fully understand God's plans? 4. How does Jeremiah’s prayer reflect his understanding of God's character? 5. What does this chapter teach us about God's justice in relation to Israel's disobedience? 6. How does God's promise of restoration provide hope amidst the impending destruction? 7. How does Jeremiah 32 encourage you in your faith during uncertain times? 8. How can Jeremiah's actions in this chapter be seen as a form of worship? 9. How does this chapter shape our understanding of God’s sovereignty? 10. What does the promise of a renewed covenant signify in the context of Israel's spiritual condition? 11. How would you apply Jeremiah's faith and obedience to your personal life challenges? 12. What practical steps can we take to trust God's promises when circumstances seem hopeless? 13. How does Jeremiah's interaction with his cousin Hanamel model personal relationships within the context of faith? 14. What role does Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe, play in this chapter and what can we learn from it? 15. In what ways does this chapter inform your understanding of prophecy and its fulfillment? 16. How can you act on God's promises in your life, as Jeremiah did, even before they come to pass? 17. How might Jeremiah’s faith during the city's siege inspire Christians facing persecution today? 18. In today's world, how can we uphold our faith and hope as Jeremiah did, amidst societal challenges? 19. How does this chapter inform our understanding of God's promise of restoration in Christ? 20. If you were in Jeremiah's position, what challenges might you face in acting in faith and how would you overcome them? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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