Jeremiah 32:16

KJV

¶ Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when {H310} I had delivered {H5414} the evidence {H5612} of the purchase {H4736} unto Baruch {H1263} the son {H1121} of Neriah {H5374}, I prayed {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

After giving the purchase contract to Barukh son of Neriyah, I prayed to ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD:

American Standard Version

Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:16 marks a profound transition from an act of prophetic obedience to intimate communion with God. Having meticulously completed the symbolic purchase of a field in Anathoth, an act commanded by God as a sign of future restoration amidst the Babylonian siege, Jeremiah immediately turns to the LORD in earnest prayer. This verse encapsulates the prophet's deep faith, demonstrating that obedience to divine instruction naturally leads to seeking God's face for understanding, affirmation, and renewed strength in the face of daunting circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivot point in a remarkable narrative found in [Jeremiah chapter 32](/jeremiah/32 "Jeremiah 32 - The Purchase of the Field"). The preceding verses detail the extraordinary command from God for Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin Hanamel, even while Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army and Jeremiah himself is imprisoned ([Jeremiah 32:1-8](/jeremiah/32-1-8 "Jeremiah 32:1-8 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment and God's Command")). The act of purchasing land at such a time was counter-intuitive, a powerful prophetic sign of God's promise that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - The Promise of Future Restoration")). Jeremiah meticulously follows all the legal procedures for the land transfer, including weighing the silver, signing the deed, and having witnesses present ([Jeremiah 32:9-14](/jeremiah/32-9-14 "Jeremiah 32:9-14 - The Legal Transaction")). Having completed this tangible act of faith and entrusted the legal documents to his scribe Baruch, Jeremiah's next immediate and natural response is to pour out his heart to the LORD, setting the stage for one of the most profound prayers in the prophetic literature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 32 is the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem was under a brutal siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces, a siege that would ultimately lead to the city's destruction, the temple's desecration, and the exile of its people. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," had consistently delivered unpopular messages of impending judgment and exile, often facing persecution and imprisonment for his faithfulness ([Jeremiah 20:1-2](/jeremiah/20-1-2 "Jeremiah 20:1-2 - Pashhur's Persecution of Jeremiah")). The act of purchasing land during a siege was not only economically absurd but also a profound counter-cultural statement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership was deeply tied to identity, inheritance, and covenant promises. To buy land when its immediate value was zero and its future possession seemed impossible was a radical demonstration of trust in a covenant-keeping God, defying all human logic and the prevailing despair. The involvement of Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, highlights the importance of legal documentation and witnesses in ancient Israelite property transactions, ensuring the validity of the purchase.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Faith Amidst Despair**, as Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to buy land during a siege demonstrates profound trust in God's long-term plan and His unfailing promises of restoration, even when all human hope seemed lost ([Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")). Secondly, it highlights **The Power and Necessity of Prayer**, showing that immediate obedience to a divine instruction is often followed by a need for deeper communion with God, to understand His ways, affirm His sovereignty, and process the implications of His commands. This emphasizes prayer as the natural and essential response for believers navigating God's will. Thirdly, the entire episode, culminating in Jeremiah's prayer, points to **Divine Sovereignty and Future Hope**. Despite the impending exile and destruction, God's plan for His people's future was secure, providing a beacon of hope through the darkest times, affirming His ultimate control over historical events and His commitment to His covenant promises ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude of application including "put, make, bestow, bring forth, commit, render, yield." In this context, it signifies the formal act of transferring the legal documents of the land purchase. Jeremiah did not merely hand over the papers; he formally "delivered" them, implying a complete and legal transfer of the "evidence of the purchase" to Baruch, making the transaction fully binding and witnessed. This verb emphasizes the completion and legal validity of the preceding act of faith.
* **evidence (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** From H5612, meaning "writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book; bill, book, evidence, register, scroll." This refers specifically to the deed of purchase, which in ancient Israel typically consisted of two copies: one sealed (for security and future verification) and one unsealed (for immediate reference). The term highlights the legal and formal nature of the transaction, underscoring that Jeremiah's act was not a casual gesture but a meticulously documented and legally binding purchase, serving as tangible "evidence" of God's promise of future restoration for the land. The "purchase" (H4736, _miqnâh_) itself refers to the acquisition or the piece of property bought, reinforcing the reality of the transaction.
* **prayed (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** From H6419, a primitive root meaning "to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray; intreat, make supplication." This word denotes a deep, earnest form of prayer, often involving intercession or a plea for understanding and divine intervention. Jeremiah's immediate turn to _pâlal_ after completing the commanded act of faith reveals his profound dependence on God, his desire for divine insight into the implications of his actions, and his need to process the seemingly contradictory realities of imminent destruction and promised restoration. It is a posture of seeking God's counsel and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah,"**: This clause establishes the immediate temporal and sequential context. Jeremiah has just completed the highly symbolic and legally binding act of purchasing a field, as commanded by God. The "evidence of the purchase" refers to the sealed and unsealed deeds, legally transferring ownership. Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe and confidant, is the recipient of these crucial documents, signifying their safekeeping and the formal completion of the transaction. This act, performed in the midst of a siege, was an extraordinary demonstration of faith in God's promise of future restoration, despite the present desolation.
* **"I prayed unto the LORD, saying,"**: This second clause reveals Jeremiah's immediate and instinctive response to fulfilling God's command. Following an act of profound obedience, Jeremiah does not rest or reflect internally but turns directly to the LORD (Yahweh) in prayer. The phrase "saying" indicates that the subsequent verses ([Jeremiah 32:17-25](/jeremiah/32-17-25 "Jeremiah 32:17-25 - Jeremiah's Prayer of Praise and Plea")) contain the content of this prayer. This immediate transition from action to prayer underscores the prophet's deep spiritual discipline, his reliance on divine guidance, and his need for communion with God to process the weight and implications of the prophetic sign he had just performed. It highlights that true obedience often leads to a deeper seeking of God's face.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression** and **Juxtaposition**. The narrative progresses from the completion of a significant physical act (delivering the deed) to a profound spiritual one (praying to the LORD). This immediate transition creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** between the tangible, earthly transaction and the intangible, divine communion. The act of "delivering the evidence of the purchase" is a concrete, legal, and human action, while "praying unto the LORD" is an intimate, spiritual, and divine interaction. This contrast highlights that for Jeremiah, and for believers, faithful obedience in the physical realm is inextricably linked to and finds its ultimate meaning in spiritual communion with God. The verse also implicitly uses **Symbolism**, as Jeremiah's physical act of buying land is a symbolic representation of God's future restoration, and his subsequent prayer is a symbolic act of trust and dependence on the One who makes such restoration possible.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:16 profoundly illustrates the principle that acts of faith, especially those that defy human logic, are often followed by a deepened need for prayer and divine understanding. Jeremiah's immediate turn to the LORD after completing the purchase underscores that obedience is not an end in itself, but a catalyst for deeper communion and revelation. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even when we act in faith on God's clear commands, the full implications and the strength to endure often come through persistent and heartfelt prayer. It highlights the dynamic relationship between divine command, human obedience, and intimate fellowship with God.

* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask God for Wisdom")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:16 offers a timeless model for believers navigating life's challenges and God's callings. In moments when God asks us to step out in faith, especially when circumstances seem overwhelming or the path illogical, our response should mirror Jeremiah's: act in obedience, then immediately turn to God in earnest prayer. This verse reminds us that fulfilling a divine command is often just the beginning; it opens the door to deeper revelation, understanding, and the strength to persevere. It challenges us to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, not just as a last resort, but as a natural and essential companion to our walk of faith, trusting that God's plans for restoration and hope are always at work, even when our present situation is bleak. It encourages us to bring our questions, our uncertainties, and our awe before the sovereign LORD, confident that He hears and responds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to an act of faith that defies human logic or seems counter-intuitive?**
* **How quickly do you turn to prayer after you've taken a step of obedience or faced a significant challenge?**
* **What does Jeremiah's immediate prayer after a major act of faith teach you about the relationship between obedience and communion with God?**
* **How can you cultivate a more immediate and consistent habit of prayer in response to God's leading in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jeremiah pray immediately after delivering the evidence of the purchase?**

Answer: Jeremiah's immediate prayer was a natural and essential response to a profound act of faith and obedience. He had just completed a highly symbolic and legally binding purchase of land at God's command, an act that seemed illogical given the imminent destruction of Jerusalem. Turning to prayer allowed him to process the weight of this prophetic sign, seek deeper understanding of God's purposes, and reaffirm his dependence on the LORD amidst the seemingly contradictory realities of judgment and promised restoration. It demonstrates that obedience often leads to a need for deeper communion with God for clarity, affirmation, and strength, as seen in the subsequent prayer found in [Jeremiah 32:17-25](/jeremiah/32-17-25 "Jeremiah 32:17-25 - Jeremiah's Prayer of Praise and Plea").

**Who was Baruch, and why was he important in this verse?**

Answer: Baruch the son of Neriah was Jeremiah's faithful scribe and close companion. He played a crucial role in documenting Jeremiah's prophecies and, in this instance, served as the trusted recipient and custodian of the legal deeds for the land purchase. His presence highlights the meticulous and legally binding nature of the transaction, ensuring its validity and serving as a witness to Jeremiah's act of faith. Baruch's reliability and proximity to Jeremiah are well-documented throughout the book of Jeremiah, particularly in [Jeremiah 36:4](/jeremiah/36-4 "Jeremiah 36:4 - Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Prophecies").

**What is the significance of "the evidence of the purchase"?**

Answer: "The evidence of the purchase" refers to the legal documents, specifically the sealed and unsealed deeds of the land transaction. In ancient Israel, such deeds were meticulously prepared and witnessed to ensure legal validity and protect property rights. Their delivery to Baruch signifies the completion of a real, tangible, and legally binding acquisition of property. This physical act was a powerful, divinely commanded **prophetic sign**, symbolizing God's unwavering promise that despite the impending exile, the people would one day return and repurchase land in Judah, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant promises ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - The Assurance of Future Repurchase")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's act of faith and subsequent prayer in [Jeremiah 32:16](/jeremiah/32-16 "Jeremiah 32:16 - Jeremiah's Prayer After the Purchase") foreshadows the ultimate act of God's redemptive purchase through Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah bought a field as a sign of future restoration, Christ, through His sacrificial death, "purchased" a people for Himself, securing their eternal inheritance and future restoration. The "evidence of the purchase" for us is not a deed of land, but the very blood of Christ, which serves as the new covenant's guarantee ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood as the Purchase Price")). Jeremiah's immediate turning to the LORD in prayer after his act of obedience mirrors Christ's own constant communion with the Father, particularly in moments of profound obedience, such as in Gethsemane before His ultimate sacrifice ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). Christ's obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His death and resurrection, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of restoration, not merely for a land, but for all who believe, granting them an imperishable inheritance ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, Jeremiah's prayer in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances points us to the One who secured an eternal hope through His perfect obedience and intercession, becoming the ultimate "guarantee" of our future ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Holy Spirit as a Deposit")).

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

Jeremiah 12:1

¶ Righteous [art] thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of [thy] judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? [wherefore] are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Genesis 32:9

¶ And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

Genesis 32:12

And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

2 Samuel 7:18

¶ Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who [am] I, O Lord GOD? and what [is] my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

2 Samuel 7:25

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.