Jeremiah 32:14

"This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Take these deeds--both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase--and put them in a clay jar to preserve them for a long time.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says
This phrase establishes the divine authority behind the command. "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme command over the armies of heaven and earth, underscoring His power and sovereignty. "The God of Israel" reaffirms His covenant relationship with Israel, reminding them of His faithfulness and promises despite their current circumstances.

Take these deeds—both the sealed copy and the open copy of the deed of purchase—
The "deeds" refer to legal documents of property ownership. In ancient Near Eastern culture, property transactions were formalized with two copies: a sealed copy for legal protection and an open copy for public reference. This practice ensured the legitimacy and transparency of the transaction. The dual copies symbolize the certainty and permanence of God's promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.

and put them in a clay jar
Clay jars were commonly used in ancient times for storage and preservation. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, were found in similar jars, highlighting their effectiveness in safeguarding important documents. This act of placing the deeds in a clay jar signifies the intention to preserve the promise for future fulfillment, symbolizing hope and continuity.

to preserve them for a long time
The preservation "for a long time" indicates that God's promises transcend immediate circumstances. Despite the impending Babylonian exile, the preservation of the deeds signifies that God's covenant with Israel will endure. It is a message of hope, assuring that restoration and return will come in God's perfect timing. This long-term perspective encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah. In this chapter, he is instructed to buy a field as a sign of hope for the future.

2. LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and power over all heavenly armies and earthly affairs.

3. Anathoth
The hometown of Jeremiah, located in the territory of Benjamin. The field Jeremiah buys is in Anathoth.

4. Babylonian Siege
The context of this passage is during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, a time of impending judgment and exile for Judah.

5. Clay Jar
Used to store the deeds, symbolizing the preservation of God's promises despite the current circumstances.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Jeremiah's purchase of the field is an act of faith, demonstrating trust in God's promise of restoration despite the current dire circumstances.

Symbolism of Preservation
The clay jar represents the enduring nature of God's word and promises, encouraging believers to hold onto God's assurances even when they seem distant.

Hope Amidst Judgment
This passage teaches that even in times of judgment or difficulty, God provides hope and a future, urging believers to look beyond present trials.

Obedience in Uncertainty
Jeremiah's obedience to God's command to buy the field, despite the siege, highlights the importance of following God's instructions even when they don't make immediate sense.

Long-term Perspective
The preservation of the deeds for a long time encourages believers to adopt a long-term perspective, trusting in God's timing and plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jeremiah's act of purchasing the field demonstrate faith, and how can we apply this kind of faith in our own lives today?

2. In what ways does the preservation of the deeds in a clay jar symbolize the enduring nature of God's promises?

3. How can we find hope in God's promises during times of personal or communal judgment and difficulty?

4. What are some areas in your life where God is calling you to obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain?

5. How can adopting a long-term perspective on God's promises change the way you approach current challenges or decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 29:11
This verse speaks of God's plans for a hopeful future, which connects to the symbolic act of preserving the deeds as a sign of future restoration.

Hebrews 11:1
The concept of faith in things not seen is mirrored in Jeremiah's act of purchasing land during a siege, trusting in God's promise of restoration.

2 Corinthians 4:7
The metaphor of treasures in jars of clay can be related to the deeds in the clay jar, symbolizing the preservation of God's promises amidst human frailty.