Jeremiah 32:25

KJV

And thou hast said unto me, O Lord GOD, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou hast said {H559} unto me, O Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, Buy {H7069} thee the field {H7704} for money {H3701}, and take {H5749} witnesses {H5707}; for the city {H5892} is given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the Chaldeans {H3778}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yet you, ADONAI, God, have said to me, 'Buy the field for money, and call witnesses; even as the city is being turned over to the Kasdim!'"

Berean Standard Bible

Yet You, O Lord GOD, have said to me, ‘Buy for yourself the field with silver and call in witnesses, even though the city has been delivered into the hands of the Chaldeans!’”

American Standard Version

And thou hast said unto me, O Lord Jehovah, Buy thee the field for money, and call witnesses; whereas the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:25 encapsulates the prophet's profound bewilderment and earnest questioning of the Lord GOD. Having just obeyed a divine command to purchase a field in his besieged hometown of Anathoth, Jeremiah articulates the stark paradox: how can he buy property as an act of future hope when Jerusalem is on the precipice of falling into the hands of the Chaldean (Babylonian) invaders? This verse encapsulates the tension between God's seemingly illogical commands and His overarching, sovereign plan for restoration amidst immediate devastation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within [Jeremiah chapter 32](/jeremiah/32 "Jeremiah 32 - Jeremiah Buys a Field") a narrative set during the final, desperate days of the Kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem is under severe siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army, and Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in the court of the guard for prophesying the city's destruction. In this grim reality, God commands Jeremiah to perform a highly symbolic act: to buy a field from his cousin Hanamel in Anathoth, a town already overrun by the Babylonians ([Jeremiah 32:6-8](/jeremiah/32-6-8 "Jeremiah 32:6-8 - God's Command to Jeremiah")). Jeremiah faithfully executes this transaction, meticulously following all legal procedures, including sealing the deeds and taking witnesses ([Jeremiah 32:9-12](/jeremiah/32-9-12 "Jeremiah 32:9-12 - Jeremiah Buys the Field")). This act, seemingly absurd given the imminent fall of Jerusalem, is a tangible sign of God's promise of future restoration, when land would once again be bought and sold in Judah ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - A Promise of Future Restoration")). Verse 25 serves as Jeremiah's honest, heartfelt prayer, expressing his human struggle to reconcile God's command for an act of hope with the overwhelming reality of the city's impending destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the final siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC) by the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. King Zedekiah, Judah's last king, reigned as a vassal to Babylon but rebelled, leading to the devastating siege. Jeremiah's imprisonment reflects the political climate where his prophecies of surrender and destruction were viewed as treasonous and demoralizing. Culturally, land ownership was central to Israelite identity, tied to the covenant promises and tribal inheritance established in the Torah. The act of buying land, especially with witnesses and sealed deeds, was a formal legal transaction signifying permanent possession and future prosperity. For Jeremiah to buy land when it was about to be confiscated by an invading army was not just illogical but a profound act of faith that defied all human reason, highlighting the depth of his obedience to God's seemingly contradictory instruction.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 32:25](/jeremiah/32-25 "Jeremiah 32:25 - Jeremiah's Questioning") contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout [the book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Faith Amidst Despair**, as Jeremiah obeys a divine command that seems utterly counter-intuitive to the immediate circumstances. His questioning reveals the tension between human understanding and divine wisdom, yet his obedience underscores a profound trust in God's ultimate plan, even when the rationale is unclear. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Divine Paradox** inherent in God's ways; His actions often transcend human logic, bringing hope and life out of situations of death and despair. The command to buy land during a siege is a potent symbol of God's ability to work beyond human limitations. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Hope in God's Promises**, serving as a tangible sign of future restoration for God's people, even in the midst of judgment. This act foreshadows a time when the land would be repopulated and prosperous again, aligning with God's plans for a future and a hope, not harm ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")). Lastly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty**, acknowledging that the calamity facing Jerusalem is not random but part of God's controlled plan for judgment and eventual purification, as "the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans" by divine decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **O Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This powerful compound divine title combines H136 (`ʼĂdônây`), an emphatic form of "Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's absolute authority and sovereignty, with H3069 (`Yᵉhôvih`), a variation of the covenant name YHWH (Yahweh), used specifically after `ʼĂdônây` to avoid repetition and reverence. `Yᵉhôvih` highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His covenant relationship with His people. Jeremiah's use of this combined name in his prayer reflects his deep reverence and his appeal to God's character as both the sovereign ruler of all creation and the faithful covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is an acknowledgment of God's supreme power and His personal relationship, even in the face of incomprehensible commands.
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414) is a primitive root meaning "to give," but it is used with immense latitude, encompassing concepts like "put," "make," "deliver (up)," "appoint," or "permit." In this context, "the city is given" implies not merely a passive surrender but an active divine decree or permission. It signifies that the fall of Jerusalem into the hands of the Chaldeans is not a random event or solely the result of Babylonian military might, but rather an act orchestrated or allowed by God as part of His judgment. This highlights God's ultimate control and sovereignty over historical events, even those that bring great suffering.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word (H3027) primarily means "hand," but it is extensively used figuratively to denote power, means, control, authority, or dominion. When the city is "given into the hand of the Chaldeans," it signifies that Jerusalem is being delivered into their complete power and control. This is not just a physical transfer of territory but a transfer of authority and destiny. The phrase emphasizes the overwhelming dominance of the Chaldeans, but crucially, it also implies that this power is ultimately permitted and directed by God, who is the one "giving" the city into their "hand."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou hast said unto me, O Lord GOD,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct communication between God and Jeremiah. It is Jeremiah's address to the Almighty, expressing his profound respect and perhaps a touch of incredulity. The use of "O Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) underscores the prophet's recognition of God's supreme authority and covenant faithfulness, even as he grapples with the divine command. It sets the stage for a plea or an expression of confusion to the one who holds ultimate power.
* **"Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses;"**: This clause recounts the specific divine instruction that Jeremiah has just obeyed. It highlights the concrete, legal, and public nature of the act. The command to "buy the field for money" emphasizes the tangible investment and the formal transaction, while "take witnesses" underscores the legal validity and public declaration of ownership. This act, performed meticulously by Jeremiah, stands in stark contrast to the impending doom, making the prophet's subsequent question all the more poignant.
* **"for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans."**: This final clause states the grim reality that creates Jeremiah's dilemma. The word "for" indicates the reason for his bewilderment. The city's imminent capture by the Chaldeans (Babylonians) means that any land within its environs would soon be seized or rendered worthless to its Jewish owners. The phrase "is given into the hand" signifies divine permission or active delivery, underscoring God's sovereignty even in judgment. This stark juxtaposition—buying land for the future while the present is being irrevocably lost—is the core of Jeremiah's honest struggle.

#### Literary Devices
[Jeremiah 32:25](/jeremiah/32-25 "Jeremiah 32:25 - Jeremiah's Questioning") employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Irony**, as God commands an act of investment in the future (buying a field) at the very moment the present is being utterly destroyed by the Chaldeans. This creates a profound tension and highlights the paradox of divine action. Closely related is **Symbolism**, where the act of buying the field serves as a tangible symbol of God's unwavering promise of future restoration and return, even when all human hope seems lost. It is a prophetic sign, a visible pledge of a future that defies the present reality. Furthermore, while not explicitly phrased as a question, Jeremiah's statement carries strong **Interrogative Rhetoric** or an implied question. His "And thou hast said unto me... Buy... for the city is given..." is not just a factual statement but an expression of profound bewilderment, akin to "How can you tell me to buy this field, when the city is already being handed over?" This rhetorical device effectively conveys the prophet's human struggle to reconcile divine command with immediate, devastating circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 32:25](/jeremiah/32-25 "Jeremiah 32:25 - Jeremiah's Questioning") profoundly illustrates the nature of divine sovereignty and the call to faith that transcends human logic. God's command for Jeremiah to buy the field, even as Jerusalem is falling, reveals that His plans are not bound by immediate circumstances or human understanding. This act of seemingly illogical obedience becomes a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration, even in the midst of severe judgment. It teaches that God's ultimate purposes often unfold through paradoxical means, requiring His people to trust His character and His long-term vision rather than relying on their limited perception of present realities. This divine paradox assures us that even in the darkest valleys of despair, God is actively working to bring about His purposes, which ultimately culminate in life and renewal.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")
* [Romans 4:18-21](/romans/4-18-21 "Romans 4:18-21 - Abraham's Faith in Hope Against Hope")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's honest expression of bewilderment in this verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. We often face situations where God's commands or the unfolding of His providence seem utterly contrary to our logic or immediate circumstances. Like Jeremiah, we are called to obey and trust, even when the "city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans"—when our personal world, our nation, or our circumstances seem to be collapsing. This passage challenges us to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the visible, the logical, and the immediate, to grasp God's eternal purposes. It reminds us that true faith is not the absence of questions or struggle, but rather the willingness to obey and to hope in God's promises even when understanding precludes us. Investing in the "field" of God's kingdom, even when the world seems to be crumbling, is an act of profound trust in His ultimate victory and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to "buy a field" (invest in hope) when your "city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans" (facing overwhelming despair)?**
* **How does Jeremiah's honest questioning, combined with his obedience, model a healthy approach to wrestling with God's seemingly illogical commands?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when your present circumstances contradict your hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Jeremiah to buy a field when Jerusalem was about to fall?**

Answer: God commanded Jeremiah to buy the field as a powerful, tangible **symbol of future restoration and hope** for the people of Judah. While Jerusalem was indeed about to fall and the land would be desolate for a time, God's act through Jeremiah was a prophetic sign that one day, the exiles would return, and land would again be bought, sold, and possessed in Judah ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - A Promise of Future Restoration")). It demonstrated God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the midst of severe judgment and apparent defeat. It was a visible assurance that the Babylonian captivity was not the end, but a temporary discipline leading to a future return and renewal.

**What does Jeremiah's questioning reveal about his faith?**

Answer: Jeremiah's questioning in [Jeremiah 32:25](/jeremiah/32-25 "Jeremiah 32:25 - Jeremiah's Questioning") does not reveal a lack of faith, but rather the **honesty and depth of his human struggle** to reconcile God's command with the grim reality. He had just faithfully obeyed God's instruction to buy the field, demonstrating his obedience. His subsequent query is a heartfelt plea for understanding, an expression of bewilderment from a prophet who deeply felt the weight of his people's suffering and God's seemingly contradictory actions. It shows that true faith allows for honest wrestling with God's ways, trusting His character even when His methods are incomprehensible to human logic. It highlights that faith is not blind acceptance, but often a profound trust in the midst of uncertainty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The paradox of [Jeremiah 32:25](/jeremiah/32-25 "Jeremiah 32:25 - Jeremiah's Questioning")—God commanding an act of hope in the face of utter desolation—finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah's purchase of the field symbolized a future restoration for Israel after judgment, Christ's death on the cross, an act of ultimate desolation and apparent defeat, was the very means by which God purchased our eternal inheritance and secured our future hope. The "city given into the hand of the Chaldeans" foreshadows the world "given over to sin" ([Romans 3:9](/romans/3-9 "Romans 3:9 - All Under Sin")), seemingly beyond redemption. Yet, in Christ, God "bought us with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")), redeeming us from the dominion of sin and death. His resurrection, following the apparent defeat of the cross, is the ultimate "buying of the field," a tangible sign and guarantee of new life, resurrection, and the restoration of all things under His sovereign rule ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation")). Through Christ, the promises of land and inheritance are transformed into the spiritual reality of belonging to God's eternal kingdom, where we are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting a future that is certain and glorious, despite the present brokenness of the world.

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 32:24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest [it].

Psalms 77:19

Thy way [is] in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

John 13:7

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Romans 11:34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?