Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Hanameel, also spelled Hanamel, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as the son of Shallum, Jeremiah's uncle, making Hanameel the prophet's cousin. His account is primarily found in Jeremiah 32, where he plays a significant role in a symbolic act commanded by God.Biblical Account In the tenth year of King Zedekiah of Judah, during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah while he was confined in the courtyard of the guard. The LORD instructed Jeremiah that Hanameel would come to him with an offer to buy a field in Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin. This field was part of the family inheritance, and according to the law of redemption, Jeremiah had the right to purchase it. Jeremiah 32:6-8 records this event: "Jeremiah replied, 'The word of the LORD came to me, saying: Behold, Hanameel son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you to say, "Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it."' Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanameel 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.'" Jeremiah's purchase of the field was a prophetic act symbolizing hope and the future restoration of Israel. Despite the imminent destruction and exile, God promised that fields and vineyards would once again be bought and sold in the land. Jeremiah's obedience in buying the field served as a testament to his faith in God's promises. Symbolism and Significance The transaction between Jeremiah and Hanameel is rich in symbolic meaning. It underscores the themes of faith, hope, and divine assurance. By purchasing the field, Jeremiah demonstrated his trust in God's promise of restoration, even when circumstances seemed dire. This act of faith was a powerful message to the people of Judah, encouraging them to believe in God's future plans for their nation. The legal procedures followed in the purchase, including the signing and sealing of the deed, were meticulously recorded in Jeremiah 32:9-12 : "So I bought the field in Anathoth from my cousin Hanameel and weighed out for him seventeen shekels of silver. I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy—and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanameel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed and of all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard." Theological Implications Hanameel's role in this narrative highlights the importance of family and the laws of inheritance in ancient Israel. The right of redemption ensured that property remained within the family, preserving the tribal allotments given by God. This legal framework also served as a backdrop for the deeper theological message of redemption and restoration. In the broader context of Scripture, the account of Hanameel and Jeremiah's field points to the ultimate redemption found in Christ. Just as Jeremiah's purchase was a sign of hope for the future, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ assures believers of their eternal inheritance and the restoration of all things. Conclusion While Hanameel is a relatively minor character in the biblical narrative, his interaction with Jeremiah provides profound insights into God's faithfulness and the hope of restoration. Through this seemingly ordinary transaction, God communicated His extraordinary plans for His people, reminding them—and us—of His unwavering promises. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Hanameelthe grace that comes from God; gift of God Smith's Bible Dictionary Hanameel(whom God graciously gave), son of Shallum and cousin of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 32:7,8,9,12) and comp. Jere 32:44 (B.C. 589.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom God has graciously given, the cousin of Jeremiah, to whom he sold the field he possessed in Anathoth, before the siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:6-12). Strong's Hebrew 2601. Chanamel -- Jeremiah's cousin... Hanameel. Probably by orthographical variation for Chanan'el; Chanamel, an Israelite -- Hanameel. see HEBREW Chanan'el. 2600, 2601. Chanamel. 2602 . ... /hebrew/2601.htm - 6k Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. Thesaurus Hanameel (4 Occurrences)... 6-12). Multi-Version Concordance Hanameel (4 Occurrences). Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come ... /h/hanameel.htm - 8k Han'amel (4 Occurrences) Hanamel (4 Occurrences) Cousin (7 Occurrences) Courtyard (59 Occurrences) Neri'ah (8 Occurrences) Nerijah (8 Occurrences) Purchase-book (4 Occurrences) Baruch (24 Occurrences) Hamu'tal (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Hanameel (4 Occurrences)Jeremiah 32:7 Jeremiah 32:8 Jeremiah 32:9 Jeremiah 32:12 Subtopics Related Terms |