Jeremiah 32:22

KJV

And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;

KJV (with Strong's)

And hast given {H5414} them this land {H776}, which thou didst swear {H7650} to their fathers {H1} to give {H5414} them, a land {H776} flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then you gave them this land, which you had sworn to their ancestors that you would give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Berean Standard Bible

You gave them this land that You had sworn to give their fathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.

American Standard Version

and gavest them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:22 stands as a profound declaration within the prophet Jeremiah's prayer, powerfully affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises, particularly His solemn oath to bestow the land of Canaan upon the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even amidst the harrowing reality of Jerusalem's imminent destruction and the looming Babylonian exile, Jeremiah poignantly recalls this divine act of provision—a land celebrated for its extraordinary fertility and abundance—thereby underscoring God's immutable character and steadfast commitment to His word, even in the crucible of human failure and severe judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32:22 is an integral part of a profound prayer offered by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32:17-25) while he was imprisoned in the court of the guard during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This prayer immediately follows God's seemingly paradoxical command to Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth (Jeremiah 32:6-15), his ancestral home, despite the city's impending fall. This act of buying land during a siege was a powerful prophetic sign, symbolizing God's certain future restoration of Judah after the exile. Jeremiah's prayer, which begins with an awe-filled affirmation of God's omnipotence and mighty deeds (Jeremiah 32:17-19) and proceeds to recount His past acts of judgment and deliverance, serves as a theological reflection on the tension between God's righteous wrath and His enduring covenant faithfulness. Verse 22 specifically harks back to the foundational promise of the land, setting the stage for Jeremiah's subsequent lament and God's powerful reaffirmation of future restoration (Jeremiah 32:26-44).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 32:22 is the final tumultuous years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 587-586 BC, when Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army laid its devastating siege to Jerusalem. The city was on the brink of collapse, and its inhabitants faced starvation, disease, and the relentless sword of the invaders. This dire situation was the culmination of centuries of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, leading directly to God's promised judgment. The concept of "the land" was absolutely central to Israelite identity and theology; it was not merely territory but a divine inheritance, a place of covenant blessing, and the very locus of God's presence among His people. The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" was a deeply entrenched idiom (first appearing in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promised Land")) signifying extraordinary fertility, abundance, and divine provision, standing in stark contrast to the harsh desert wilderness they had traversed during the Exodus. For the Israelites facing imminent exile, the memory of this promised land was both a source of comfort in God's past faithfulness and a painful reminder of what they were about to lose due to their profound unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Israel's profound and persistent unfaithfulness, which directly led to the impending judgment, Jeremiah's prayer emphasizes that God remains immutably true to His word and His ancient oaths. The giving of the land was a direct fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, a promise reiterated to Isaac and Jacob (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram") and [Genesis 17:8](/genesis/17-8 "Genesis 17:8 - The Everlasting Covenant")). This verse also highlights the **Significance of the Promised Land** as a tangible expression of God's blessing, a central component of Israel's identity, and the very foundation of their covenant relationship. Finally, the vivid imagery of "a land flowing with milk and honey" underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Abundance**, showcasing God's profound desire to bless His people with lavish sustenance and prosperity when they walk in obedience, even as the present circumstances tragically demonstrate the severe consequences of their deviation from that path.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_ H5414):** This primitive root is remarkably versatile, meaning "to give" in its broadest sense, encompassing actions like putting, making, bestowing, assigning, delivering, and granting. In Jeremiah 32:22, its use emphasizes God's sovereign and active role as the bestower of the land. It signifies a divine act of intentional provision and fulfillment of promise, not merely a passive allowance or a consequence of human effort.
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_ H7650):** Derived from a root meaning "to be complete" or "to seven oneself," this word signifies the act of taking a solemn oath or swearing. The number seven in Hebrew culture often represented completion or perfection, implying that an oath was a binding, complete, and unbreakable declaration. When God "swore" to the fathers, it denotes the absolute certainty, solemnity, and irrevocability of His covenant promise regarding the land, highlighting the divine commitment that undergirds His relationship with Israel.
* **flowing (Hebrew, _zûwb'_ H2100):** This primitive root means "to flow freely," often used for water or other liquids. In the context of "a land flowing with milk and honey," it vividly conveys an image of natural abundance and spontaneous productivity. It suggests that the land itself is so fertile and rich that milk and honey are not merely present but are gushing forth, readily available, and overflowing as a testament to its inherent richness and God's abundant blessing upon it, requiring minimal human effort to yield its bounty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hast given them this land,"**: This clause directly attributes the possession of the land to God's active, benevolent, and sovereign hand. It serves as a declarative statement, acknowledging God's past fulfillment of His promise. The "them" refers specifically to the Israelites, the descendants of the patriarchs, for whom the land was a foundational element of their national and spiritual identity.
* **"which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them,"**: This phrase clarifies the immutable basis of God's action: it was not arbitrary but rooted in a solemn, binding, and irrevocable oath made to their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). This emphasizes the covenantal nature of the land's possession and God's unwavering commitment to His word across generations, even when the current generation faces the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness.
* **"a land flowing with milk and honey;"**: This iconic and deeply resonant description characterizes the extraordinary quality of the land. It is a metaphorical expression denoting unparalleled fertility, superabundant produce, and general prosperity. "Milk" represents the richness of livestock (dairy products), and "honey" (likely wild honey or date/grape syrup) signifies the sweetness and bounty of agricultural produce. This imagery paints a picture of a land that naturally yields sustenance in lavish quantities, a clear testament to divine provision and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:22 primarily employs **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole** through the well-known phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey." This is not a literal description of rivers of dairy and nectar, but a vivid metaphorical representation of unparalleled fertility, natural wealth, and ease of sustenance. It exaggerates the land's bounty to emphasize its ideal, divinely blessed nature. The verse also showcases **Repetition** of the word "land" (Hebrew: _'erets'_) which serves to underscore the centrality and significance of this divine inheritance as the locus of God's covenant promises and Israel's identity. Furthermore, the entire prayer, of which this verse is a part, functions as a **Lament** intertwined with a profound **Confession of Faith**, where Jeremiah acknowledges God's righteous judgment while simultaneously affirming His unchanging character and past faithfulness, even in the face of national catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:22 powerfully encapsulates the theological truth of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, even in the face of profound human disobedience and impending judgment. It reminds us that God's promises are not contingent on human perfection but are rooted in His immutable character and solemn oaths. The giving of the land, described as "flowing with milk and honey," points to God's desire for His people to experience abundant life and blessing, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. This verse serves as a crucial anchor for hope, demonstrating that even when all seems lost, God remembers His covenant and will ultimately bring about restoration, just as He faithfully brought Israel into the Promised Land centuries prior.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abram")
* [Deuteronomy 6:3](/deuteronomy/6-3 "Hear, O Israel")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "God's Covenant Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's prayer, including this verse, offers a profound model for faith in times of profound crisis. When our world seems to be crumbling around us, and circumstances appear utterly hopeless, we are called to remember God's past faithfulness. Just as God kept His ancient promise to bring Israel into a land of abundance, He remains faithful to His promises to us today. This verse encourages us to ground our hope not in our current circumstances or even our own faithfulness, but in God's unchanging character and His impeccable track record of keeping His word. It reminds us that even when we face the consequences of our actions, God's ultimate plan is one of redemption and restoration. We are invited to look beyond immediate despair to the larger narrative of God's sovereign hand, trusting that His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness is great, even when we cannot discern the way forward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life or in biblical history strengthen your faith during present difficulties?**
* **What "land flowing with milk and honey" (i.e., blessings, provisions, or specific promises) has God given you that you might be overlooking in times of struggle?**
* **In what ways can you emulate Jeremiah's posture of prayer, acknowledging both God's righteous judgment and His unwavering covenant love?**

### FAQ
**What does "a land flowing with milk and honey" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Hebrew: _'eretz zavat chalav u'devash'_) is a powerful biblical idiom used to describe a land of extraordinary fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It is not meant to be taken literally as rivers of milk and honey. "Milk" refers to the richness of livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and their products, indicating lush pastures and thriving herds. "Honey" (Hebrew: _dᵉbash_) could refer to wild honey from bees or, more commonly in the ancient Near East, a sweet syrup made from dates or grapes, signifying the bounty of fruit trees and agricultural produce. Together, they paint a picture of a land so naturally productive and blessed that it provides sustenance in lavish quantities, symbolizing divine provision and blessing for its inhabitants. This imagery is first introduced in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promised Land") when God describes the land He is bringing Israel to.

**Why is Jeremiah recalling this promise in a time of judgment?**

Answer: Jeremiah recalls God's promise of the land during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness, even when His people are experiencing the severe consequences of their disobedience. By reminding God (and himself) of God's past fulfillment of His solemn oath, Jeremiah anchors his hope in God's unchanging character, not in Israel's current dire circumstances. Secondly, it provides a stark contrast between God's original intention for Israel—a blessed, abundant life in the land—and their present reality of impending exile, thereby highlighting the severity of their sin and the justice of God's judgment. Thirdly, and most importantly, this remembrance lays the theological groundwork for God's subsequent promises of future restoration (Jeremiah 32:36-44). Jeremiah's seemingly illogical act of buying a field (Jeremiah 32:6-15) and his subsequent prayer (Jeremiah 32:17-25) are prophetic acts of faith, demonstrating that despite the immediate judgment, God's covenant promises, including the return to and re-possession of the land, will ultimately be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:22, with its profound emphasis on God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament promise was intrinsically tied to a physical land and temporal blessings, Christ inaugurates a new covenant (as powerfully prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant")) that transcends geographical boundaries and offers eternal spiritual abundance. Jesus is the true "land flowing with milk and honey," the inexhaustible source of all spiritual nourishment and blessing. He is the very fulfillment of God's oath to Abraham, for through Him, all the nations of the earth are blessed (as seen in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ and the Promise to Abraham")). The abundance of the Promised Land foreshadows the immeasurable spiritual riches found in Christ—He is the "living water" (as described in [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) and the "bread of life" (as declared in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Believers, through faith in Christ, inherit not merely a physical territory but a spiritual kingdom and eternal life, experiencing a spiritual "flow" of grace, peace, and joy that far surpasses any earthly abundance. Our ultimate "Promised Land" is the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells eternally with His people (revealed in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")), a glorious reality made possible only through the finished, redemptive work of 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.

Exodus 3:8

And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Jeremiah 11:5

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

Exodus 3:17

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Psalms 105:9

Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

Psalms 105:11

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

Deuteronomy 1:8

Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them.