Sep 25 – 19 Pentecost
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege

Background: The book of Jeremiah is fairly unique as it provides commentary and criticism of the Israelites during two periods of subjugation interspersed with a period of religious reform. Jeremiah is a descendent of the Levitical priestly line and was a descendant of Abiathar. In the latter portion of this book Jeremiah attempts to provide hope for a nation under siege and in exile.

Theme: This narrative is a portion of the tales of Jerusalem under siege. In it we see Jeremiah’s prophecy against King Zedekiah as well as an implied assurance that Israel’s exile would not be permanent and that the nation would be reformed and recognized as God’s chosen people.

Questions to Ponder:
* In addition to the assigned passages, please read Jeremiah 32:3b-5.
* Identify the following: King Zedekiah, King Nebuchadrezzar, Hanamel, Shallum, and Baruch. What are their roles in Israel?
* Locate: Anathoth in the land of Benjamin
* What is missing from the assigned passage (verses 3b-5)?
* Why might Jeremiah be imprisoned? How long had Jeremiah been imprisoned in this passage?
* What might it mean when the text states that Jeremiah had “the right of redemption by purchase” of Hanamel’s land? From where does this authority originate?
* Why might Jeremiah pay to redeem Hanamel’s land?
* What might the importance of the public ceremony and legal recording of the land transfer be?
* For what reasons might the deeds be sealed so they “may last a long time”?
* What do you think God is saying in verse 15?
* This passage appears to be a story of inferences; what do you think the author is inferring by (1) the redemption of the lands in the face of certain loss; (2) the public redemption of Hanamel’s land; (3) the sealing of the deeds for a long period of time; and (4) God’s statement in verse 15?
* What do you think the author is trying to confer about the outcome of the exile?
* What might Baruch’s role be in the story recounted in the text? What might Baruch’s function be?
* What do you think the passage, verses 13-15, is trying to convey about Israel’s relationship with God – even amidst the pending exile?
* What might be the message of hope Jeremiah was telling the people of Israel in this story?
* How might that message be translated into our common lives?
* What is the application of Jeremiah’s prophecy and witness in our time and world?
* How does this passage challenge us to be better witnesses of God’s presence in our lives?