Wednesday, January 29 – Jeremiah 32, 33
Study Questions:
1. What lesson did God want to teach Jeremiah and the people through purchasing his cousin’s property? (Jeremiah 32:14,15,44)
2. What does God compare His faithfulness to His people with? (Jeremiah 33:19-22)
3. Which two families of Israel would have descendants until the end? (Jeremiah 33:21)
Commentary and Reflection:
The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary notes: “Zedekiah’s policy of treachery and intrigue caused Nebuchadnezzar to besiege Jerusalem. It was at this time that the king of Judah, provoked to anger by Jeremiah’s persistent predictions of defeat (see vs. 3–5; chs. 34:2, 3; 38:20–23), had the prophet “shut up in the court of the prison” (see Neh. 3:25).” SDABC, Jeremiah 32:2
Jeremiah’s message was deeply unpopular. It was not one of conquest and victory but of defeat and submission. However, this message was for the people’s well-being—to prevent unnecessary deaths and suffering. They needed to accept captivity as God’s discipline.
Jeremiah endured the same siege as everyone else and faced imprisonment and hostility from the king and the people. Sometimes, God’s message isn’t what we want to hear, and His actions may not align with our expectations. But in such moments, faith calls us to trust that He understands even when we do not.
While Jeremiah was in prison, God sent him a message through his cousin Hanamel, who offered to sell him land in Anathoth. God instructed Jeremiah to buy the property despite the ongoing siege, symbolizing hope and future restoration.
The land transaction was carried out legally, with witnesses and sealed documents. Through this act, God communicated a profound message: “For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.’” (Jeremiah 32:15).
Jeremiah was called to demonstrate his faith with words and action. His investment in the land was a tangible expression of trust in God’s promise of restoration.
In Jeremiah 33, God visits Jeremiah again in prison, bringing a beautiful promise: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
God invites Jeremiah—and us—to look beyond present hardships, beyond war, despair, and imprisonment. Even when everything seems dark and uncertain, God remains steadfast. He assures Jeremiah that His plans are greater than the present and visible circumstances.
Jeremiah 33:6-9 contains rich promises of healing, restoration, and peace for Judah. While these promises had immediate relevance to Judah’s return from exile, they also point toward a future spiritual restoration of God’s people.
The chapter also contains a Messianic prophecy: “In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Jeremiah 33:15-16)
This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, the righteous Branch from David’s lineage, who would bring true justice and salvation.
Regarding the two families mentioned in Jeremiah 33:24, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary explains: “Some commentators have understood this passage to be the taunt of the heathen at the seeming downfall of “the two families,” which these commentators interpret to be the two kingdoms of the Israelites, Israel and Judah (see Eze. 35:10; 36:19, 20). Others interpret “this people” to be the Israelites themselves (see Jer. 4:10; 5:14, 23; 6:19), who in their faithlessness had given way to despair (chs. 32:42, 43; 33:10), because even “the two families,” the family of David and of Levi (ch. 33:21, 22), seem to have been forsaken by God.”
God assures that just as the laws of day and night are firm and unchanging, so are His promises: “For I will cause their captives to return, and will have mercy on them.” (Jeremiah 33:26)
This declaration reminds us that God’s mercy and faithfulness are unwavering. Just as the natural laws remain constant, so does God’s commitment to His people.
Let us trust in God’s promises, knowing His plans are always for our ultimate good.
May God bless your day abundantly.
Pastor Abel Paulin