ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Jeremiah 32

Jer. 32:1 tenth year. c. 588–587 b.c.

Jer. 32:2–5 Babylon was besieging Jerusalem. This siege lasted about a year (see 39:1; 52:4). Jeremiah was imprisoned by Zedekiah (37:11–21) for prophesying that Babylon would conquer Jerusalem (21:1–10; 34:1–5; 37:6–10).

Jer. 32:6–7 Hanamel . . . will come to you. God revealed what would occur. right of redemption. See Lev. 25:25–32. When property was sold due to financial problems, a relative would buy it back so that it could stay in the family. The person who bought it back was called a “kinsman-redeemer” (see “redeemer,” Ruth 4:1).

Jer. 32:9 Because of God’s word, Jeremiah buys the field, even though Babylon will soon invade the land. seventeen shekels. About seven ounces.

Jer. 32:11 sealed deed . . . open copy. Scribes wrote two copies of the transaction. They rolled up and sealed the first copy, leaving the second open for viewing.

Jer. 32:12 Baruch was Jeremiah’s disciple and scribe (36:4; 45:1–5).

Jer. 32:13–14 Jeremiah had Baruch place the precious document in an earthenware storage vessel for safekeeping.

Jer. 32:15 Now the point of this symbolic act (see also 13:1–14; 16:1–13; 18:1–11; 19:1–15; 27:1–28:17) is revealed: God will return the people to the land, and fields will be bought and sold again.

Jer. 32:17 Jeremiah’s prayer begins by confessing that God is the all-powerful Creator (made the heavens), for whom nothing is too hard (see Gen. 18:14). God has infinite power and can do all that he wills to do. However, that does not mean God can do anything, for he cannot act contrary to his own character (see 2 Tim. 2:13; Heb. 6:18).

Jer. 32:18 steadfast love to thousands. Covenant love to countless generations. See Ex. 34:6–7; Joel 2:12–14; Jonah 4:2. repay the guilt. In many cases, both fathers and children have sinned in the same ways, so both suffer the consequences of their actions. See Ex. 20:5–6; Jer. 3:25; 14:20.

Jer. 32:20–23 God has revealed his characteristics (vv. 17–19) by his great acts, such as sending the plagues in Egypt, leading Israel in the exodus, giving Israel the Promised Land, and bearing with Israel until he allowed Babylon to invade.

Jer. 32:24 What you spoke has come to pass. All God’s threats, beginning with 1:9–16, were fulfilled.

Jer. 32:25 Given the certain Babylonian victory, Jeremiah wonders why God directed him to buy land.

Jer. 32:26–27 God confirms Jeremiah’s confession (v. 17). He is the Creator of all flesh, and nothing is too hard for him to accomplish.

Jer. 32:37 I will gather them. See 23:7–8; 29:10–14; 31:1–9.

Jer. 32:38 they shall be my people. See 24:7; 30:22; 31:33.

Jer. 32:39 one heart. United together to serve God (Ezek. 11:19; see Deut. 6:4–9; Jer. 4:4).

Jer. 32:40–41 everlasting covenant. See Isa. 55:3; Ezek. 16:60; 37:26; compare Jer. 31:31–40. God’s covenant will not cease: he will do good to his people, place fear of him in their hearts, and plant them in this land. God will provide everything needed to keep the covenant. I will rejoice in doing them good. God keeps his promises with great delight.

Jer. 32:44 Just as Jeremiah has purchased land (vv. 1–15), others will do the same in future times.