Jeremiah 32:7

KJV

Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth: for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, Hanameel {H2601} the son {H1121} of Shallum {H7967} thine uncle {H1730} shall come {H935} unto thee, saying {H559}, Buy {H7069} thee my field {H7704} that is in Anathoth {H6068}: for the right {H4941} of redemption {H1353} is thine to buy {H7069} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Hanam'el, the son of your uncle Shalum, will approach you and say, "Buy my field at 'Anatot; you have next-of-kin's right to redeem it; so buy it."'"

Berean Standard Bible

Behold! Hanamel, the son of your uncle Shallum, is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’

American Standard Version

Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is thine to buy it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:7 records a pivotal divine instruction given to the prophet Jeremiah during the most desperate hour of Jerusalem's history, as the city faced imminent destruction by the Babylonians. Despite being imprisoned and surrounded by despair, Jeremiah is commanded by God to purchase a field from his cousin, Hanameel, in his hometown of Anathoth. This seemingly illogical transaction is rooted in the ancient Israelite law of redemption, where a kinsman had the right and obligation to buy back family land, transforming a mundane real estate deal into a profound prophetic act of hope and a tangible sign of God's unwavering promise of future restoration for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32 opens with the prophet imprisoned in the court of the guard, a consequence of his unpopular prophecies of impending Babylonian conquest and exile. The siege of Jerusalem is ongoing, and the city's fall is a certainty. Chapters 29-31 had already delivered prophecies of future restoration and a new covenant, but the immediate reality was one of judgment. Into this grim setting, the Lord's word comes to Jeremiah, not with another pronouncement of doom, but with a specific, counter-intuitive command to engage in a land transaction. The narrative immediately follows Jeremiah's lament over the nation's sin and God's just judgment, making the command to buy land a striking reversal of expectation, signaling a future beyond the present catastrophe. The subsequent verses detail Jeremiah's obedience and the Lord's explanation, confirming the prophetic nature of the act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 32 unfold around 588-586 BC, during the final stages of Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem. The city was on the brink of collapse, famine was rampant, and the population faced enslavement or death. In such a climate, purchasing land within the besieged territory would be considered an act of utter folly, as its value was effectively zero. The "right of redemption" (Hebrew: *mishpat hagge'ullah*) refers to the ancient Israelite legal custom, primarily outlined in [Leviticus 25:25-34](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - Laws of Redemption and Jubilee"), where family land, if sold due to poverty, could be redeemed by a close relative (a *go'el* or kinsman-redeemer). This law was designed to prevent permanent loss of tribal inheritance and ensure the land remained within the family, reflecting God's ultimate ownership of the land. Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, was a Levitical city (cf. [Joshua 21:18](/joshua/21-18 "Joshua 21:18 - Anathoth as a Levitical City")) in the territory of Benjamin, just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, and would soon fall under Babylonian control.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Despair**, demonstrating that even in the darkest hours of national judgment and seemingly irreversible destruction, God remains in control, actively orchestrating events and revealing His long-term purposes. Jeremiah's obedience to this seemingly illogical command highlights the theme of **Faith in God's Unseen Plan**, where human logic is superseded by divine revelation. Most significantly, the act of purchasing land, specifically invoking the "right of redemption," serves as a tangible symbol of **Hope in Future Restoration**. It is a prophetic sign that, despite the impending exile, the people will one day return to the land and possess it again, fulfilling God's promises of a future and a hope, as articulated in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). The legal concept of redemption itself foreshadows a deeper, spiritual redemption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gᵉʼullâh (Hebrew, _gᵉʼullâh'_):** This feminine passive participle, derived from the root *ga'al*, signifies "redemption" in its fullest sense, encompassing both the right to redeem and the object being redeemed. It carries the weight of a legal and social obligation, particularly for a close relative (the *go'el* or kinsman-redeemer) to buy back family land, property, or even a person sold into slavery, thereby restoring them to their original state or family. In Jeremiah 32:7, it highlights the legal basis for Jeremiah's purchase, emphasizing the established divine law that undergirds this prophetic act.
* **mishpâṭ (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** This term, often translated as "right," "judgment," or "justice," refers to a verdict, a formal decree, or a legal right/privilege. Here, "the right of redemption" (mishpat hagge'ullah) signifies the established legal entitlement and custom by which Jeremiah, as a close relative, was obligated and permitted to reclaim the family property. It emphasizes the divinely ordained order and justice inherent in the Israelite legal system, which God himself upholds and utilizes for His prophetic purposes.
* **qânâh (Hebrew, _qânâh'_):** This primitive root means "to erect" or "to create," and by extension, "to procure," especially by purchase. It implies acquiring ownership. In this context, it refers to the physical act of buying the field. The word choice underscores the concrete, tangible nature of the transaction, which is essential for its symbolic power. Jeremiah is not just being told about a future event; he is commanded to *perform* an act of purchase, making the promise of future possession real and immediate through his obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene with a divine pronouncement ("Behold!"). It identifies the specific individual, Hanameel, Jeremiah's cousin (son of his uncle Shallum), who will initiate the transaction. The specificity of the name and relationship underscores the personal and familial nature of the redemption right, making it a concrete, verifiable event. God's foreknowledge of Hanameel's arrival and his exact words highlights divine sovereignty over seemingly mundane human interactions.
* **"Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth:"**: This is the core command from Hanameel, prompted by divine orchestration. The field's location in Anathoth, Jeremiah's ancestral home, is significant. It's not just any field but family land, making the "right of redemption" directly applicable. The command to "buy" (qanah) is direct and active, requiring Jeremiah's concrete participation in this prophetic sign.
* **"for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it]."**: This clause provides the legal justification and divine imperative for the purchase. It explicitly states that the "right of redemption" (mishpat hagge'ullah) belongs to Jeremiah. This right, a legal and moral obligation for a kinsman, makes Jeremiah the rightful and responsible party to acquire the land, ensuring its return to the family lineage. It transforms a simple purchase into an act rooted in covenant law and divine faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:7 is rich in **Symbolism**. The act of purchasing a field during a siege, when land is worthless, powerfully symbolizes God's promise of future restoration and the return of His people to the land of Israel. It is a tangible sign of hope against all odds. The "right of redemption" itself is a legal **Metaphor** for God's ultimate plan to redeem His people from exile and sin. There is also a profound sense of **Irony** in the command: Jeremiah, who has consistently prophesied destruction and exile, is now commanded to perform an act that signifies future hope and possession, turning the immediate despair on its head and emphasizing God's long-term redemptive purposes. The specific details of the transaction, including the names and location, lend an air of **Verisimilitude** to the prophetic act, grounding the divine promise in a concrete, historical reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:7 is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people are facing the consequences of their disobedience. The seemingly irrational command to buy land during a siege speaks volumes about God's perspective, which transcends immediate circumstances and focuses on His ultimate redemptive plan. It illustrates that God's promises are not contingent on human logic or favorable conditions but are rooted in His unchanging character and sovereign will. This act of redemption foreshadows a greater spiritual reality, where God, as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, will reclaim His people and restore their inheritance. It reminds us that even in the midst of judgment, God's ultimate intention for His people is always restoration and life.

* [Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - Law of Kinsman-Redeemer")
* [Ruth 4:4](/ruth/4-4 "Ruth 4:4 - Boaz Exercises the Right of Redemption")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to buy the field in Anathoth, despite the immediate absurdity of the situation, offers a powerful lesson in faith and trust. In moments of personal or collective crisis, when circumstances seem bleak and hope is scarce, God often calls us to acts of faith that defy human reason. This passage encourages us to look beyond our immediate despair and embrace God's long-term vision for our lives and for the world. It challenges us to invest in His promises, even when the "market" of our circumstances suggests otherwise. Just as Jeremiah's purchase was a tangible sign of future restoration, our acts of faith, hope, and obedience can be prophetic declarations of God's redemptive power at work, even in the darkest valleys. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is our surest investment, and His redemptive plan will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" or illogical commands might God be asking you to obey in your current circumstances?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's long-term plan when your immediate situation seems hopeless?**
* **In what ways can your actions, even small ones, serve as a prophetic sign of God's redemptive work in your community or the world?**
* **How does the concept of "redemption" in this verse relate to your understanding of God's work in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why would Jeremiah buy land during a siege when it seemed worthless?**

Answer: Jeremiah bought the land not for its immediate economic value, which was indeed worthless during the Babylonian siege, but as a direct act of obedience to a divine command. This purchase was a **prophetic sign** from God, demonstrating His unwavering promise that the people of Israel would one day return from exile and once again possess and cultivate the land. It was a tangible symbol of future hope and restoration, defying the immediate despair and human logic. God used this seemingly irrational act to underscore the certainty of His long-term redemptive plan for His people.

**What is the "right of redemption" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "right of redemption" (Hebrew: *mishpat hagge'ullah*) refers to an ancient Israelite legal custom, primarily found in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - Laws of Redemption and Jubilee"), where a close relative (known as a *go'el* or kinsman-redeemer) had the right and obligation to buy back family land or property that had been sold due to poverty. This practice ensured that family inheritance remained within the clan and prevented permanent loss of tribal land. In Jeremiah 32:7, Jeremiah, as Hanameel's cousin, possessed this legal right, making him the rightful kinsman to redeem the field. This legal framework provided the context for God's symbolic command.

**Is Anathoth significant to Jeremiah's story?**

Answer: Yes, Anathoth is highly significant. It was Jeremiah's hometown, a Levitical city located just a few miles northeast of Jerusalem (cf. [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah 1:1 - Jeremiah's Hometown")). The fact that the field was in Anathoth made the "right of redemption" particularly personal and poignant for Jeremiah. It also underscored the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, as even Jeremiah's ancestral lands would fall under enemy control, yet God promised their eventual return and re-possession.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's act of purchasing the field in Anathoth, exercising his "right of redemption" during a time of utter desolation, serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as Jeremiah, a kinsman, bought back the land to secure a future inheritance for his family, so too did Jesus, our divine Kinsman-Redeemer, "buy" us back from the slavery of sin and death. He paid the ultimate price, His own precious blood, to redeem us, restoring our lost inheritance and securing our future in God's eternal kingdom (cf. [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). The field in Anathoth, seemingly worthless in a besieged land, symbolizes the world and humanity, fallen and under judgment, yet purchased by Christ with the promise of future glory. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has secured for us not merely a plot of land, but an imperishable inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, a reality far surpassing any earthly possession (cf. [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Jeremiah's prophetic act, born of faith in God's impossible promise, points directly to the certain hope we have in Christ, who has already secured our redemption and guarantees our eternal future.

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 1:1

¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

Leviticus 25:25

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

Jeremiah 11:21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

Leviticus 25:34

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.

Mark 11:2

And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him].

Mark 11:6

And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.