Jeremiah 32:16

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 32:16 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's extraordinary act of faith. After completing the purchase of a field in Anathoth during the dire circumstances of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah immediately turns to the LORD in prayer.

Context

This verse is situated within a remarkable narrative in Jeremiah chapter 32. Jerusalem was under siege by the powerful Babylonian army, and the kingdom of Judah was on the brink of utter destruction and exile. Prophet Jeremiah himself was imprisoned in the court of the prison by King Zedekiah (Jeremiah 32:2). In this seemingly hopeless situation, God commanded Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin Hanamel (Jeremiah 32:7). This act, which appears illogical from a human perspective, was a powerful prophetic sign of God's unwavering promise of future restoration for Judah, signifying that "houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15). Having formally completed the transaction and delivered the legal documents to his faithful scribe, Baruch the son of Neriah, Jeremiah's immediate response is to seek God's presence and understanding in prayer.

Key Themes

  • Faith Amidst Despair: Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to buy land during a siege demonstrates profound faith. This action was a tangible expression of trust in God's long-term plan and His unfailing promises of restoration, even when all human hope seemed lost.
  • The Power and Necessity of Prayer: Immediately after fulfilling a divine instruction, Jeremiah turns to prayer. This highlights that obedience 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. It underscores prayer as the natural and essential response for believers.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Future Hope: The entire episode, culminating in Jeremiah's prayer, points to God's ultimate control over historical events. Despite the impending exile, God's plan for His people's future was secure, providing a beacon of hope through the darkest times.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "delivered the evidence of the purchase" refers to the formal legal process of transferring property in ancient Israel. It involved written deeds, sealed and unsealed, and witnesses, ensuring the validity of the transaction. Jeremiah meticulously followed these customs, underscoring the reality and binding nature of both the earthly purchase and, more importantly, the divine promise it represented. His immediate shift to "I prayed unto the LORD" emphasizes the direct, personal nature of his relationship with God, a common pattern seen throughout the prophetic books.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 32:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today. When God calls us to act in ways that defy human logic or when circumstances seem overwhelming, our response should mirror Jeremiah's: act in faith and then turn to God in earnest prayer. It reminds us that obedience often opens the door to deeper revelation and understanding from God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises for our future, even when our present situation is bleak, knowing that His plans for restoration and hope are always at work (Jeremiah 29:11). It exemplifies the importance of a vibrant prayer life as we navigate God's will for our lives.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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