Jeremiah 32

44 verses

TL;DR

Jeremiah, imprisoned in Jerusalem, receives a prophetic instruction to buy a field in Anathoth, symbolizing future restoration, while proclaiming God’s judgment on the city and promise of return.

Summary

In the tenth year of Zedekiah’s reign, Jeremiah is held in the prison court and receives a divine message to purchase a field in Anathoth from Hanameel, his uncle’s son, for seventeen shekels. The act of buying the land—recorded with evidence, seals, and witnesses—serves as a tangible sign of Israel’s future restoration. Jeremiah then delivers God’s words: the Chaldeans will take Jerusalem by sword, famine, and pestilence because of Israel’s idolatry and disobedience, yet God will bring the exiles back, restore the land, and establish a new covenant. The chapter juxtaposes judgment for sin with a hopeful promise of covenant fidelity, emphasizing that the nation’s suffering is not random but a response to its turning away. The symbolic purchase foreshadows the eventual redemption of the land and the people, underscoring God’s sovereignty and enduring covenantal love.

Outline

Jeremiah’s imprisonment and prophetic instruction to buy a field in Anathoth
The symbolic purchase and recording of the deed as a sign of future restoration
The proclamation of judgment against Jerusalem and the promise of Israel’s return and covenant renewal

Themes

God’s sovereign control over the land and nationJudgment as a response to persistent idolatry and disobedienceHope and covenant renewal through restoration and faithfulness

Keywords

prophecyredemptioncovenantjudgmentrestorationAnathothcaptivityChaldeansBabylonfield purchase

People

JeremiahZedekiahNebuchadrezzarHanameelShallumBaruchNeriahMaaseiahthe king of Babylonthe Chaldeans

Places

JerusalemAnathothBenjaminJudahBabylonthe valley of Hinnomthe land of Chaldeans

Things

field in Anathoth17 shekels of silverevidence of purchasesealed documentsearthen vesselcovenant

Key Verses

Jeremiah 32:7: The divine command for Jeremiah to buy the field, symbolizing future redemption.
Jeremiah 32:27: God’s declaration of judgment on Jerusalem, establishing the reality of impending destruction.
Jeremiah 32:36: The promise of restoration and covenant renewal, offering hope after judgment.

Questions

What does the act of buying a field in prison reveal about Jeremiah’s faith and obedience?
How does Jeremiah balance messages of judgment with promises of restoration?
In what ways does the symbolic purchase foreshadow the eventual return of Israel?
What role does the covenant play in the narrative of judgment and restoration?
How can believers today apply the themes of judgment and mercy found in this chapter?

Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both stern judgment against Israel’s idolatry and hopeful promise of restoration, reflecting a complex but balanced divine perspective.