Jeremiah 32:14

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open; and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Take {H3947} these evidences {H5612}, this evidence {H5612} of the purchase {H4736}, both which is sealed {H2856}, and this evidence {H5612} which is open {H1540}; and put {H5414} them in an earthen {H2789} vessel {H3627}, that they may continue {H5975} many {H7227} days {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says: 'Take these contracts, both the sealed and unsealed copies, and place them in a clay jar, so that they can be preserved for a long time.'

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, this deed of the purchase which is sealed, and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel; that they may continue many days.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:14 records the LORD's specific instruction to Jeremiah to preserve the legal documents of a land purchase in an earthen vessel. This command, given while Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians and Jeremiah himself was imprisoned, served as a powerful prophetic act and a tangible sign of God's unwavering promise of future restoration for Israel. It underscored that despite the imminent judgment and exile, God's covenant faithfulness would endure, ensuring the eventual return of His people to their land and the renewal of their prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32:14 is situated within a remarkable narrative of prophetic symbolism and divine assurance. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 32:6-13) detail Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to purchase a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. This transaction occurred at a time when Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonian army, and the land was effectively worthless in human terms. The act itself was a profound counter-cultural statement of faith. Verse 14 then provides the divine directive for the careful preservation of the two copies of the deed—one sealed (for future verification) and one open (for immediate reference)—within an earthen jar. This act of preservation is immediately followed by God's explicit promise in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Houses, fields, and vineyards shall be possessed again") that "Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land," directly linking the symbolic act to the future hope of restoration. The broader context of [Jeremiah 32](/jeremiah/32 "Jeremiah 32 - God's Promise of Restoration") contrasts the immediate despair of judgment with the enduring hope of God's covenant faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 32 unfold during the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces (circa 588-586 BC). Jeremiah was imprisoned in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 32:2) because of his unpopular prophecies of impending doom and exile. The purchase of land at such a time would have seemed utterly absurd to any contemporary observer, as the land was about to be conquered and its inhabitants exiled. Culturally, the practice of having two copies of a legal document, one sealed and one open, was common in the ancient Near East, providing both security and accessibility. The use of an "earthen vessel" for long-term storage was also a practical and well-understood method, as clay jars provided protection from moisture, insects, and general decay, preserving documents for extended periods, often by burying them. This historical reality lends weight to the symbolic meaning of God's command for preservation.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omniscience**, demonstrating that God's plans transcend human circumstances and immediate appearances. Even in the midst of judgment, God is working out His long-term purposes for His people, as seen in His foreknowledge of their return (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Captivity and Return")). Secondly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. Despite Israel's profound unfaithfulness, God remains committed to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, which included the promise of the land. The preservation of the deeds is a tangible sign that the promise of the land remains valid, even if its fulfillment is delayed by disciplinary exile. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes **Hope in Despair**, offering a beacon of light in a period of national catastrophe. Jeremiah's act of faith, commanded by God, serves as a concrete assurance that judgment is not the final word, and future restoration is certain. This theme resonates with the broader message of hope and renewal found in passages like [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sealed (Hebrew, _châtham'_):** This word signifies to "close up" or "seal," often implying finality, authenticity, or security. In the context of legal documents, a sealed copy was typically the original, authenticated by witnesses and sealed to prevent tampering. Its preservation indicates the unchangeable and legally binding nature of the transaction, mirroring the unalterable nature of God's promises.
* **open (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** While its primary meaning is "to denude" or "uncover," in this context, it refers to a document that is "open" or "revealed," meaning it is accessible for immediate reading and reference. The presence of both a sealed and an open copy ensured both the security of the original record and the immediate accessibility of its contents, a common legal practice of the time.
* **earthen (Hebrew, _cheres'_):** This term refers to a "piece of pottery" or "earthenware." When combined with "vessel" (_kᵉlîy_), it denotes a common clay jar. The choice of an earthen vessel for preservation was highly practical in the ancient world, as these durable, often inexpensive, and easily sealed containers could protect their contents from the elements, ensuring their longevity. Symbolically, it suggests that even common, seemingly fragile means can be used by God to preserve His precious promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and unwavering truth behind the command. "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power and control over all creation, including armies and heavenly bodies, reinforcing that His word is backed by omnipotence. "The God of Israel" highlights His covenant relationship with His chosen people, underscoring His faithfulness to them even in judgment.
* **"Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both which is sealed, and this evidence which is open;":** This is the direct command to Jeremiah regarding the legal deeds for the purchased field. The "evidences" (Hebrew: _çêpher_) refer to the written documents. The mention of both a "sealed" and an "open" copy reflects standard ancient Near Eastern legal practice, where the sealed copy served as the authoritative original for long-term preservation, and the open copy was for immediate consultation. This duality ensured both the integrity and accessibility of the record.
* **"and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may continue many days.":** This specifies the method and purpose of preservation. The "earthen vessel" (clay jar) was a common and effective means of protecting perishable items, including scrolls, from decay, moisture, and pests. The explicit purpose, "that they may continue many days," underscores the long-term nature of God's promise. It points beyond the immediate crisis to a future time when these deeds would again be relevant, signifying a return to normalcy and prosperity in the land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:14 is rich in **Symbolism**. The entire act of purchasing the field and preserving the deeds is a profound symbolic gesture. The **purchase of the field** itself, when the land was about to be overrun, symbolizes God's ultimate ownership and future restoration of Israel to their land, defying immediate human logic. The **earthen vessel** symbolizes the fragility of human instruments yet their effectiveness when used by divine command for the preservation of divine promises. It also subtly suggests that God's truth can be safeguarded even in seemingly humble or vulnerable containers. The **sealed and open deeds** symbolize the dual nature of God's truth: some aspects are revealed and accessible (open), while others are secured and awaiting their appointed time of revelation or fulfillment (sealed). The phrase "many days" employs **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** to stress the long duration of the Babylonian exile, yet simultaneously assures the enduring nature of God's promise beyond that period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:14 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign control over history, even amidst human failure and national catastrophe. The preservation of the land deeds in an earthen vessel vividly illustrates that God's promises are secure and unchangeable, regardless of the immediate circumstances. This act of faith, commanded by God, served as a tangible sign that the judgment of exile was not the final word for Israel, but rather a temporary discipline leading to a promised restoration. It underscores the biblical truth that God's word, like these documents, is imperishable and will ultimately accomplish His purposes, providing a foundation for hope even when all human hope seems lost.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - He Remains Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:14 offers profound lessons for believers navigating periods of uncertainty, despair, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. It calls us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances to the eternal promises of God. Just as Jeremiah was commanded to perform an illogical act of purchase during a siege, we too may be called to acts of faith that defy human reason, trusting in God's long-term plan even when the present is bleak. This passage reminds us that God's faithfulness is not contingent upon our current situation or the world's chaos; His word is secure, preserved, and will ultimately come to pass. Our hope is anchored not in visible prosperity but in the unchanging character and promises of God, which are as enduring as the ancient deeds in their earthen vessel. We are encouraged to hold fast to the Scriptures, knowing that within their pages are the "evidences" of God's past faithfulness and future intentions for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to act in faith, even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises?**
* **How does the image of the "earthen vessel" holding precious documents speak to the way God preserves His truth and promises in our lives today?**
* **What specific promises of God are you holding onto "for many days," trusting in His faithfulness despite delays or difficulties?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Jeremiah to buy land when it was about to be conquered?**

Answer: God commanded Jeremiah to buy land as a powerful symbolic act of faith and a tangible sign of His promise of future restoration. From a human perspective, purchasing land that was about to be overrun by the Babylonian army seemed illogical and foolish. However, God intended this act to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. It was a prophetic assurance that, despite the impending judgment and exile, the people would eventually return to their land, and normal life, including land ownership, would be restored. This promise is explicitly stated in [Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - Houses, fields, and vineyards shall be possessed again"), affirming that "Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land."

**What is the significance of the "sealed" and "open" evidences?**

Answer: The practice of having both a sealed and an open copy of a legal document was common in the ancient Near East. The "sealed" evidence (deed) was the authoritative, original copy, authenticated by witnesses and sealed to prevent tampering. It was typically kept for long-term preservation and future verification, much like a modern-day certified copy. The "open" evidence was an unsealed copy, readily accessible for immediate reference and public knowledge. In Jeremiah 32:14, the command to preserve both signifies the dual nature of God's promises: some aspects are clearly revealed and immediately applicable, while others are securely held by God, awaiting their appointed time of fulfillment, yet equally valid and binding. This legal precision underscores the certainty and integrity of God's word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:14, with its emphasis on the preservation of a deed for future inheritance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The land promised to Israel was a type and shadow of a greater, spiritual inheritance: the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Just as the physical deeds were preserved in an earthen vessel, God's eternal covenant promises, particularly the promise of salvation and new creation, are secured and guaranteed in Christ. He is the ultimate "sealed" document, the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), whose sacrifice and resurrection irrevocably secured our spiritual inheritance. Through His death and resurrection, Christ purchased a people for God, and the "evidence of the purchase" is His shed blood and the Holy Spirit, who serves as a "seal" and "guarantee" of our future inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). The "earthen vessel" can also be seen as a metaphor for the human body, which, though fragile, carries the treasure of the gospel ([2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Earthen Vessels")), preserving the divine truth for "many days" until Christ's return. Thus, the future hope of land ownership in Jeremiah points forward to the glorious and eternal inheritance that believers possess in Christ, the true and lasting fulfillment of all God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.