Chapter 33: A Field of Hope Amid Siege
Overview
During Babylon’s siege of Jerusalem, Yermiyahu is imprisoned for prophesying the city’s fall. In this dark moment, Hashem commands him to perform a symbolic act—buying a field—to demonstrate that restoration will follow judgment. The chapter blends despair, obedience, prayer, and a sweeping promise of renewal.
- Context: Siege and Imprisonment
- In Zedekiah’s tenth year (Nebuchadnezzar’s eighteenth), Babylon besieges Jerusalem.
- Yermiyahu is confined in the palace courtyard because he foretold:
- The city will fall to Babylon.
- Zedekiah will be captured and taken to Babylon, where he will remain until Hashem shows mercy.
- Resistance is futile.
- The Command to Buy a Field
- Hashem tells Yermiyahu:
- “Your cousin Hanamel will offer you his field in Anathoth—redeem it.”
- Hanamel arrives as foretold, confirming Hashem’s word.
- Yermiyahu buys the field for 17 shekels of silver, signs the deed, and secures witnesses.
- He instructs Baruch to store the documents in a clay jar for long-term preservation.
- Why? “Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.”
- Yermiyahu’s Prayer
- Yermiyahu prays:
- Acknowledging Hashem’s power, justice, and past wonders—especially the Exodus.
- Confessing Israel’s disobedience and the calamity now unfolding.
- Expressing perplexity: “You told me to buy land, yet the city is under siege!”
- Hashem’s Response
- Hashem affirms:
- “I am the God of all flesh—is anything too hard for Me?”
- Judgment is certain:
- The city will burn; its houses defiled by idolatry and child sacrifice.
- Generations have provoked Hashem with evil.
- Yet restoration is equally certain:
- Hashem will gather His people from all nations where He scattered them.
- They will live securely in the land.
- Everlasting covenant: Hashem will never turn away from doing good.
- His law will be in their hearts; they will fear Him and remain faithful.
- Hashem will rejoice to plant them firmly in the land with all His heart and soul.
- Symbol of Hope
- Just as Hashem brought disaster, He will bring good:
- Fields will be bought again in Judah—in Benjamin, Jerusalem, the hill country, the lowlands, and the Negev.
- Life will return.
- Takeaway
Chapter 32 teaches:
- Faith acts even when circumstances seem hopeless.
- Hashem’s plans unite judgment and mercy—discipline leads to restoration.
- His covenant is unbreakable; His promises are sure.
Key message:
“Is anything too hard for Me?” (v.27) — Hashem’s power guarantees both justice and redemption.
