Jeremiah 32:2

KJV

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which [was] in the king of Judah's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

For then the king {H4428} of Babylon's {H894} army {H2428} besieged {H6696} Jerusalem {H3389}: and Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} was shut up {H3607} in the court {H2691} of the prison {H4307}, which was in the king {H4428} of Judah's {H3063} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time the army of the king of Bavel was besieging Yerushalayim; and Yirmeyahu the prophet was imprisoned in the guards' quarters attached to the king of Y'hudah's palace,

Berean Standard Bible

At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was imprisoned in the courtyard of the guard, which was in the palace of the king of Judah.

American Standard Version

Now at that time the king of Babylon’s army was besieging Jerusalem; and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard, which was in the king of Judah’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:2 sets the immediate historical and personal context for the prophet Jeremiah's pivotal act of faith. It describes the dire situation in Jerusalem, which was under a devastating siege by the Babylonian army, and highlights Jeremiah's personal confinement in the court of the prison within King Zedekiah's royal palace. This verse establishes the backdrop of national crisis and personal restriction against which God's extraordinary command for Jeremiah to purchase a field, symbolizing future restoration, is given.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate narrative setup for one of the most remarkable and counter-intuitive acts of faith in the book of Jeremiah: God's command to purchase a field in Anathoth (Jeremiah 32:6-15). Just prior to this, Jeremiah had been delivering prophecies of Jerusalem's imminent fall and the subsequent exile, messages that were deeply unpopular with King Zedekiah and his officials (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:1-10](/jeremiah/21-1 "Jeremiah 21:1-10 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Fall")). His imprisonment, detailed in this verse, is a direct consequence of his faithful, albeit unpopular, proclamation of God's judgment. The subsequent chapters continue to detail the fall of Jerusalem and the beginning of the exile, framing Jeremiah's act of land purchase as a powerful symbol of hope amidst despair, a theme central to the later parts of the book, particularly [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, which began in the tenth month of Zedekiah's ninth year (around 588 BCE), as recounted in [2 Kings 25:1-2](/2_kings/25-1 "2 Kings 25:1-2 - The Final Siege of Jerusalem"). This was the culmination of decades of Judah's unfaithfulness and rejection of prophetic warnings. King Zedekiah, a vassal of Babylon, had rebelled, prompting this decisive invasion. Imprisonment for prophets who delivered unpopular or seemingly treasonous messages was not uncommon in ancient Israel, as seen with Micaiah in [1 Kings 22:26-27](/1_kings/22-26 "1 Kings 22:26-27 - Micaiah's Imprisonment"). The "court of the prison" within the king's house (the royal palace) suggests a specific, perhaps more "honorable" or secure, detention area for political prisoners or those of significant status, rather than a common dungeon. This placement underscores the direct confrontation between Jeremiah's divine message and the king's human authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Prophecy in Adversity**, demonstrating that God's word is not silenced or constrained by human opposition or physical confinement. Even while "shut up," Jeremiah continues to be God's mouthpiece. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Chaos**, revealing that the Babylonian siege was not merely a geopolitical event but the direct fulfillment of God's judgment against Judah's sin, as prophesied by Jeremiah and others (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:8-11](/jeremiah/25-8 "Jeremiah 25:8-11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")). God was using Babylon as His instrument ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Jeremiah's Faithfulness and Suffering**, depicting the personal cost of his unwavering obedience to God's difficult call. Despite facing imprisonment, public disdain, and the imminent destruction of his nation, Jeremiah remained steadfast, embodying the suffering servant motif.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **army (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, this term denotes a force, whether of men, means, or other resources. It implies strength, might, and valor. In this context, it specifically refers to the formidable military might of the Babylonian empire, emphasizing the overwhelming power arrayed against Jerusalem. The use of `chayil` highlights the sheer force and inevitability of the siege.
* **shut up (Hebrew, _kâlâʼ'_):** From H3607, this primitive root means to restrict, to hold back or in, to prohibit, or to restrain. It vividly conveys Jeremiah's complete confinement and lack of freedom. This is not merely an inconvenience but a deliberate act of restraint, preventing him from moving freely or delivering his message publicly, underscoring the king's attempt to silence the prophet.
* **prison (Hebrew, _maṭṭârâʼ'_):** From H4307, this word refers to a jail or guard-house, often implying a place where one is closely watched or guarded. It suggests a secure detention facility. Its specific location within the "court" (H2691, _châtsêr_, a yard or enclosed space) of the king's house further emphasizes that Jeremiah was under royal custody, not in a common public jail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem:":** This clause establishes the critical historical backdrop. The "king of Babylon's army" refers to the forces of Nebuchadnezzar II, who had launched the final, decisive siege against Jerusalem. The verb "besieged" (H6696, _tsûwr_) indicates a sustained, relentless military encirclement, cutting off the city and aiming for its complete subjugation. This was not a minor skirmish but a full-scale assault on the capital of Judah, signifying the dire and desperate situation.
* **"and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison,":** This introduces the personal predicament of Jeremiah. He is identified by his divine office as "the prophet," emphasizing that his confinement is a direct result of his prophetic ministry. The phrase "shut up" (H3607, _kâlâʼ_) denotes a state of complete restriction and imprisonment. He is not merely confined to his house but specifically held in "the court of the prison," a designated detention area.
* **"which [was] in the king of Judah's house.":** This final clause specifies the exact location of Jeremiah's imprisonment. The "king of Judah's house" refers to the royal palace of King Zedekiah. This detail is highly significant, as it places the prophet, who delivers God's unpalatable truth, directly under the authority and within the physical domain of the very king who sought to suppress that truth. It highlights the direct tension and conflict between divine authority and human power.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:2 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the prophet, divinely appointed to speak truth to power, finds himself imprisoned by the very power he serves, and within the king's own residence. This highlights the human rejection of God's message. **Symbolism** is also at play: Jeremiah's physical "shutting up" can be seen as a microcosm of Judah's impending "shutting up" into Babylonian captivity. His confinement within the royal house, a place of power and supposed security, ironically becomes a place of restriction, symbolizing the spiritual imprisonment of a nation that has rejected God's covenant. Furthermore, the verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the imminent fall of Jerusalem and the exile of its people, events that Jeremiah had tirelessly prophesied. The siege itself is a literal manifestation of the judgment that had been foretold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and the enduring nature of His prophetic word, even in the face of extreme human opposition and dire circumstances. It demonstrates that divine plans are not thwarted by political machinations or physical confinement. Jeremiah's imprisonment, far from silencing God's message, becomes the very context for a profound revelation of hope and future restoration, reminding us that God often works most powerfully in our moments of greatest vulnerability. This verse underscores the cost of faithfulness and the divine imperative to speak truth, regardless of personal consequence, trusting that God's purposes will ultimately prevail.

* [Jeremiah 1:17-19](/jeremiah/1-17 "God's Promise to Jeremiah to Stand Firm")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Obedience to God Rather Than Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:2 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. In moments when our "Jerusalem" feels under siege—whether by external pressures, personal crises, or societal challenges—this verse reminds us that God's sovereign hand remains active. Jeremiah's faithfulness, even in confinement, challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to God's truth, especially when it is unpopular or costly. It encourages us to trust that God's purposes are unfolding, even when circumstances seem bleak and our own freedom feels restricted. Just as Jeremiah's imprisonment set the stage for a powerful act of hope, our own seasons of adversity can become the very ground upon which God reveals His greatest promises and works His most extraordinary wonders. We are called to remain steadfast, knowing that God's word cannot be "shut up."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when God's truth seems to lead to personal difficulty or opposition?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "shut up" or confined, and how might God be working through those limitations?**
* **What does Jeremiah's example teach us about maintaining hope and faithfulness when circumstances appear hopeless?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jeremiah imprisoned in the king's house?**

Answer: Jeremiah was imprisoned because his prophetic messages were perceived as treasonous and demoralizing to the nation during the Babylonian siege. He consistently urged surrender to Babylon, stating it was God's judgment for Judah's sins, and prophesied the city's inevitable fall. Such messages were seen as undermining the war effort and the king's authority. His confinement in the "court of the prison" within the king's palace ([Jeremiah 32:2](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah's Imprisonment")) suggests he was considered a political prisoner of some importance, held directly under royal custody rather than in a common jail, allowing the king and his officials to control access to him and his message. This is further detailed in [Jeremiah 37:11-21](/jeremiah/37-11 "Jeremiah's Arrest and Imprisonment").

**What is the significance of the "court of the prison" being in the king's house?**

Answer: The location of Jeremiah's imprisonment within the "king of Judah's house" (the royal palace) is highly significant. It highlights the direct conflict between divine authority, as expressed through Jeremiah, and human authority, represented by King Zedekiah. The king sought to silence God's prophet by confining him within his own domain, a place of power and control. This physical proximity underscores the tension: God's truth, though imprisoned, was literally at the heart of the kingdom's leadership, challenging their decisions and revealing their spiritual blindness. It also suggests a certain level of "privileged" detention for Jeremiah, indicating he was not thrown into a common, often brutal, dungeon, but rather held in a specific, guarded area within the royal complex.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:2, with its depiction of the prophet's suffering and imprisonment for speaking God's truth, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate suffering and "confinement" of Jesus Christ. Jeremiah, rejected by his own people and imprisoned by the very authorities he sought to warn, serves as a poignant type of Christ. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, also came speaking God's truth, proclaiming the kingdom of God and calling His people to repentance. Yet, He too was rejected by His own, deemed a threat by the religious and political authorities, and ultimately "shut up" in a prison of human devising, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion. The "court of the prison" in Jeremiah's experience finds its ultimate parallel in the various courts where Jesus was interrogated and condemned, leading to His death on the cross, the ultimate act of confinement and sacrifice. However, just as Jeremiah's imprisonment set the stage for a powerful message of hope and future restoration, Christ's death was not the end but the means to the ultimate freedom and restoration for all humanity, fulfilling the promises of a new covenant (as hinted at in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant")), and culminating in His glorious resurrection and ascension, which broke the bonds of death and offered true liberation to all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

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 37:21

Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Nehemiah 3:25

Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning [of the wall], and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that [was] by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

Jeremiah 33:1

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

Jeremiah 38:6

Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

Jeremiah 32:8

So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that [is] in Anathoth, which [is] in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance [is] thine, and the redemption [is] thine; buy [it] for thyself. Then I knew that this [was] the word of the LORD.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Jeremiah 39:13

So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;