Jeremiah 32:15

KJV

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; Houses {H1004} and fields {H7704} and vineyards {H3754} shall be possessed again {H7069} in this land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says that one day homes, fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land."

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.”

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:15 delivers a powerful divine assurance of future restoration and hope amidst the dire circumstances of Judah's impending destruction and exile. This declaration, given by the LORD of hosts to Jeremiah while he was imprisoned during the Babylonian siege, prophetically affirms that despite the present desolation, God's covenant faithfulness will prevail, leading to a complete re-establishment of life, prosperity, and ownership of the land for His people, Israel. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even when human circumstances appear utterly hopeless.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet Jeremiah imprisoned in the court of the guard, as Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army. This chapter is strategically placed at a pivotal moment, just before the city's final fall and the subsequent exile. The immediate verses, [Jeremiah 32:1-5](/jeremiah/32-1-5 "Jeremiah 32:1-5 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment and Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall"), describe Jeremiah's confinement and the certainty of Jerusalem's capture and King Zedekiah's fate. In this context of impending doom, God commands Jeremiah to perform a highly symbolic act: to purchase a field from his cousin Hanamel in Anathoth, as detailed in [Jeremiah 32:6-9](/jeremiah/32-6-9 "Jeremiah 32:6-9 - Jeremiah Buys a Field"). This transaction, complete with legal documentation and witnesses (Jeremiah 32:10-14), seems utterly illogical given the foreign occupation, yet it serves as a tangible, prophetic sign of God's future plans. Verse 15, therefore, functions as the divine explanation and theological anchor for this seemingly irrational act, declaring the certain future re-possession of the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the final days of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-586 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces laid siege to Jerusalem. The people of Judah faced starvation, disease, and the imminent destruction of their capital and temple. Land ownership was deeply significant in ancient Israel, intrinsically tied to tribal inheritance and covenant promises, such as those outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Allotment of Land by Lot"). The act of purchasing land, even during a siege, was a legal and culturally understood means of establishing future claim. Jeremiah's purchase of the field in Anathoth, a Levitical city mentioned in [Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth, a Levitical City") where his family owned land, highlights the enduring nature of these land rights and God's intention to honor them. The very idea of "possessing again" in this land would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity was intrinsically linked to their promised inheritance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it highlights **hope amidst despair**, demonstrating God's ability to bring life and restoration out of desolation, even when all human hope is lost. It underscores **divine sovereignty and faithfulness**, as the title "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's absolute power and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, despite their rebellion and the ensuing judgment. The entire narrative of Jeremiah's land purchase, culminating in this verse, is a profound example of **prophetic symbolism**, where a physical act serves as a visible sign of an unseen spiritual truth and future reality. Finally, the specific mention of "houses and fields and vineyards" points directly to the **restoration of the land and normal life**, signifying a complete return to agricultural bounty, settled dwelling, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant regarding the land, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist," thus signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." Its presence here emphasizes that the promise of restoration is not a mere human wish but a divine decree from the unchangeable, covenant-keeping God who is eternally faithful to His word.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** From H6635, this word refers to a "mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army)." When combined with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ), it forms the powerful title "LORD of hosts," portraying God as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies and all creation. This title reinforces the absolute authority and certainty behind the promise, indicating that no earthly power, not even the mighty Babylonians, can thwart His ultimate plan.
* **possessed again (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** From H7069, this primitive root means "to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own." The KJV's "possessed again" accurately captures the nuance of re-acquisition and re-establishment of ownership. This word underscores the idea of a complete and lawful re-establishment of property rights and settled life, emphasizing that the future return would be permanent and legitimate under God's decree, not merely a temporary reprieve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel;":** This opening clause establishes the divine authority and source of the prophecy. "Thus saith the LORD" is a common prophetic formula, signaling a direct word from God. The titles "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) and "the God of Israel" powerfully convey His omnipotence, His covenant relationship with His people, and His unassailable faithfulness, even in judgment. This is not a human speculation but a certain declaration from the sovereign ruler of all.
* **"Houses and fields and vineyards":** These specific items represent the fundamental elements of settled, prosperous life in ancient Israel. "Houses" signify dwelling and family life; "fields" and "vineyards" represent agricultural productivity, economic stability, and the bounty of the promised land. Their mention paints a vivid picture of complete restoration, moving beyond mere survival to a flourishing existence characterized by security and abundance.
* **"shall be possessed again in this land.":** This final clause is the core of the promise. "Possessed again" (qânâh) implies a re-acquisition and re-establishment of ownership, emphasizing a return to normalcy and security. The phrase "in this land" is crucial, referring specifically to the land of Israel, the promised inheritance. It underscores the geographical and tangible nature of the future restoration, directly countering the immediate reality of foreign occupation and exile.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:15 is rich in **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct declaration from God, marked by the introductory formula "Thus saith the LORD." This device immediately establishes the divine authority and certainty of the message. The verse also employs powerful **Symbolism**, where "houses and fields and vineyards" are not merely literal properties but represent the entirety of a restored, flourishing national life and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the broader context, as God commands Jeremiah to buy land at the very moment it is about to be lost, creating a stark contrast between the immediate bleak reality and the certain future hope. This dramatic juxtaposition emphasizes God's transcendent power over human circumstances. Furthermore, the use of the divine title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) serves as an **Appellation of Power**, reinforcing God's absolute sovereignty and ability to bring about what He declares, regardless of the obstacles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His redemptive character. Even in the midst of severe judgment, God's ultimate purpose for His people is not destruction but restoration. This verse reveals that divine judgment, while necessary for purification and discipline, is never God's final word. His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the nation of Israel, are immutable. It teaches that God's plans transcend human understanding and immediate circumstances, demonstrating His ability to work through apparent defeat to bring about His ultimate victory and the flourishing of His people. This theme of restoration is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, pointing to God's steadfast love and His commitment to fulfill every promise He has made.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3-5 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - God's Promise of Restoration")
* [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36-33-36 "Ezekiel 36:33-36 - Restoration of the Land")
* [Isaiah 65:21-23](/isaiah/65-21-23 "Isaiah 65:21-23 - New Heavens and New Earth Prosperity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:15 offers profound encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable challenges today. It reminds us that God's promises are not contingent on our favorable circumstances but on His unchanging character and sovereign power. When our lives, communities, or the world around us seem to be crumbling, this verse calls us to look beyond the immediate despair to the certainty of God's ultimate restoration. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that acts, like Jeremiah's purchase of the field, even when such actions appear illogical or counter-intuitive in the face of adversity. This passage teaches us to cling to God's Word as our anchor, trusting that He is a God who brings life out of death, hope out of hopelessness, and beauty out of ashes. Our present trials are not the end of the story; God's faithful love promises a future of re-possession and flourishing, whether in our personal lives or in the grand sweep of His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situation in your life or in the world do you need to apply the hope of Jeremiah 32:15 to?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to an act of faith that seems illogical in your current circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God as the "LORD of hosts" and "God of Israel" deepen your trust in His promises, even when they seem distant?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Jeremiah to buy land when it was about to be taken by the Babylonians?**

Answer: God commanded Jeremiah to purchase the field as a powerful, tangible prophetic sign. In a time of utter despair and impending exile, this act served as a visible assurance that the people would indeed return to the land and re-possess it. It was a divine object lesson, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign control over history, even when circumstances seemed to contradict His word. The legal transaction, complete with witnesses and documentation (Jeremiah 32:9-14), underscored the certainty and legitimacy of the future restoration.

**Is this promise of restoration only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate fulfillment of Jeremiah 32:15 was the historical return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile, its underlying theological principles have enduring application for all believers. The verse reveals God's character as a faithful, promise-keeping God who brings hope out of despair and restoration out of desolation. For Christians, this promise points to a greater spiritual inheritance and the ultimate restoration found in Christ. It assures us that God is working all things for good and that His ultimate plan includes a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells, as promised in [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth"). Thus, while the specific land promise was for Israel, the *principle* of divine restoration and faithfulness applies universally.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate prophecy concerned the physical return of Israel to their land, it foreshadows the greater spiritual restoration and inheritance secured through the Messiah. The "houses and fields and vineyards" that would be possessed again in the land point to the new creation and the eternal dwelling God prepares for His people, not merely a temporal return to a physical plot of ground. Jesus, the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), is the one through whom God's covenant promises, including the promise of an eternal inheritance, are fully realized. He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") that led to exile and brokenness, thereby making true reconciliation and restoration possible. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are given a spiritual "possession" that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them, as described in [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance"). The promise of a restored land culminates in the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people and there will be no more sorrow or death, a reality depicted in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), made possible only through the redemptive work of Christ, the ultimate "purchaser" of our eternal inheritance.

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.

Cross-References

Zechariah 3:10

In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbour under the vine and under the fig tree.

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

Jeremiah 31:24

And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they [that] go forth with flocks.

Jeremiah 31:12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Jeremiah 33:12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing [their] flocks to lie down.