Jeremiah 32:7

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].

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.

'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."'"

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

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

Jeremiah 32:7 presents a pivotal moment in the prophet Jeremiah's ministry, highlighting God's extraordinary instruction during a time of national crisis. The verse records the specific divine command for Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin, Hanameel, emphasizing the legal "right of redemption" that Jeremiah possessed.

Context

This verse is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (circa 588-586 BC). At this point, the city is on the brink of collapse, and Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 32:2) because of his unpopular prophecies of impending doom and exile. In such a desperate situation, buying land would seem utterly illogical and financially unsound. Yet, God commands this very act, transforming a mundane transaction into a profound prophetic sign.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Despair: Even as judgment falls and the nation faces exile, God is actively orchestrating events, demonstrating His control over all circumstances. This purchase is a direct command from the Lord (Jeremiah 32:8).
  • Hope in Future Restoration: The act of buying land signifies God's promise that the people will one day return to the land and possess it again. It's a tangible symbol of hope for a future beyond the current suffering and exile, a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing despair. This echoes God's larger plans for hope and a future outlined in Jeremiah 29:11.
  • The Right of Redemption: This legal term, central to the verse, refers to the ancient Israelite practice of a kinsman's right and obligation to buy back family land or property that had been sold due to poverty. It ensured that family inheritance remained within the clan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "right of redemption" translates the Hebrew word ge'ullah (Χ’Φ°ΦΌΧΦ»ΧœΦΈΦΌΧ”), which refers to the legal and social obligation of a close relative (a "kinsman-redeemer" or go'el) to buy back land, property, or even a person who had been sold into slavery. This concept is deeply rooted in Israelite law, particularly in Leviticus, to prevent permanent loss of family inheritance and to maintain tribal land distributions (e.g., Leviticus 25:25). The most famous biblical example of a kinsman-redeemer in action is found in the book of Ruth, where Boaz redeems the land and marries Ruth.

Practical Application

Jeremiah's obedience to this seemingly irrational command teaches us about faith and trust in God's long-term plan, even when our immediate circumstances are dire. It encourages believers to:

  • Act on God's Word: Sometimes, God's commands defy human logic. True faith involves obedience even when the outcome isn't immediately clear or seems contrary to common sense.
  • Embrace Hope in Adversity: The purchase of the field was a powerful symbol that God's promises of restoration are sure, even in the darkest valleys. We are called to hold onto God's promises of future grace and new beginnings.
  • Understand God's Redemptive Nature: The concept of redemption here foreshadows the ultimate spiritual redemption offered through Christ, who, as our kinsman, paid the price to redeem us from sin and death.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 1:1

    ΒΆ 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.
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