Jeremiah 32 Commentary
Jeremiah is at the royal palace in Jerusalem, not as an honored guest but as a political prisoner. This is yet another item on the prophet’s menu, in addition to scorn, ridicule, and beatings.
The LORD had said, “Don’t be afraid of them, for I’m with you and will rescue you.” Chapter 1 verse 8. God’s presence but what rescue! And which human will look at it as a rescue? Rescue indeed! Who can understand the LORD?
We know the LORD is with Jeremiah. In fact, the LORD is constantly speaking to the prophet. Yes the presence of the LORD but what rescue! And rescue it was. Ponder it. It can be so humbling! The truly highest of Heaven can be man’s lowest point, but who understands. Who sees it that way? How we need help!
Now to the message while in detention: “Build and plant.”
The prophet has to act the message of the LORD. It actually came like that. The LORD informs the prophet about a business transaction in advance of its happening. Foretelling has its own importance to the prophet. Yes, the LORD is still dealing with the prophet and things are happening as directed by the LORD.
“Houses fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” This message is critical because it comes right in the middle of a huge crisis. Jerusalem is falling apart. Zedekiah is hanging on the thin thread of time. The message from the LORD is always good news. The kingdom is about to be uprooted only to be planted again. But who is listening to the prophet?
You need one bomb to platen a city. It is irreversible. There is nothing a like a green bomb that can instantly rebuild the city. But as Jeremiah observes in his prayer, “Nothing is too hard for God.” Verse 17b.
“You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them.” The opposite may be true. Judah has survived this long because of David’s righteousness. The LORD had repeatedly mentioned it in the past. Heaven’s guests will be there on account of the righteousness of one man, the man Jesus Christ. That is the gospel!
Won’t a parent look at their own godliness and feel their children can live securely as a consequence?
Yet the LORD will “reward each person according to their conduct and as their sins deserve.” Verse 19. Pick what you can but know the LORD of creation isn’t about to get simple. Jeremiah’s prayer brings out another fact of faith. It operates from zero options. There is nothing but destruction yet the LORD instructs the prophet to transact.
And the LORD responds. It is true, He is the LORD, the God of all mankind. Nothing is too hard for the LORD. We wish we could have our own prayers meet Heaven’s approval – the LORD saying yes to our lines. How we wish our own phrases would come out with conviction rather than empty praise!
The chapter winds down with yet another promise of a new contract. Israel had breached the old one. “They will be my people, and I will be their God.” Verse 38. Is the LORD God your God? Are you His? Is there proof of ownership?
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