Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJeremiah 32

Judgments Predicted; Jeremiah ImprisonedThis chapter takes place just before the final destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. God’s judgments had been coming slowly, but because the people did not repent, disaster was now very close. The Babylonian army was attacking Jerusalem, and the people inside the city were determined to resist until the end.v. 1-5: Jeremiah prophesies that both the city of Jerusalem and the royal court will fall to the king of Babylon. He says clearly that the Babylonians will capture the city because God will give it to them (Jeremiah 32:3 ). King Zedekiah will try to escape but will be caught and brought face to face with Nebuchadnezzar, who will judge him harshly (Jeremiah 32:4 ). Zedekiah will be taken to Babylon and remain a prisoner there until he dies. Jeremiah also warns that any attempts to fight the Babylonians will fail, because God is not with them (Jeremiah 32:5; Jeremiah 34:2-3 ).

v. 2-3: Because of these prophecies, Jeremiah is put in prison. He is not in a common jail, but in a part of the palace called the court of the prison. Here, he is somewhat protected, but he is still a prisoner. King Zedekiah locks him up for speaking God’s message, showing how hard his heart has become. Even though Zedekiah once asked Jeremiah to pray for him (Jeremiah 21:2 ), now he punishes him for telling the truth. This shows how sin can make people stubborn, even when they are suffering.

v. 6-8: While Jeremiah is in prison, his cousin Hanameel comes to offer him a field in Anathoth to buy (Jeremiah 32:6-8 ). Even though Jeremiah has no family of his own and the land is about to be conquered, he agrees to buy it. God told Jeremiah to do this as a sign of hope for the future. Jeremiah’s purchase shows faith in God’s promise that the land will one day belong to Israel again.

v. 9-14: Jeremiah buys the field for seventeen shekels of silver. He pays honestly and makes sure the transaction is witnessed and recorded. The deeds are put in an earthen jar to keep them safe for a long time. This careful process shows that Jeremiah expects the land to be valuable again after the exile. He acts in faith, trusting God’s promise that houses and fields will once more be bought and sold in Israel (Jeremiah 32:15 ).

v. 15: The reason for this purchase is to show that, even though Jerusalem is about to be destroyed, God will restore His people. "Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land". Jeremiah’s actions match his message, showing that he truly believes what God has promised. This teaches us to trust God’s word, even when things look hopeless.

Jeremiah's PrayerAfter God showed Jeremiah His plans to judge and later restore Israel, Jeremiah was troubled and confused. He did not doubt God’s power but struggled to understand how God’s promises and judgments could both be true. In this difficult moment, Jeremiah turned to God in prayer. Even in prison, Jeremiah found comfort by bringing his worries to God. His prayer is an example for us—when we are troubled or confused, we can come honestly before God.v. 16: After handing over the property deeds to Baruch, Jeremiah prays to God. He wants to clear his mind of daily worries before he talks with God. Even though he is in prison and the situation in Jerusalem is desperate, he knows prayer is the best way to deal with his fears and questions.

v. 17-19: Jeremiah praises God as the Creator. He says, "You have made the heaven and the earth by your great power... nothing is too hard for you"(Jeremiah 32:17 ). God is merciful to thousands, but also just, giving people what they deserve. God is wise in planning and powerful in action. Jeremiah reminds himself that God is in control of everything and that nothing is impossible for Him.

v. 19: Jeremiah acknowledges that God sees all people and their actions. "Your eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways and... the fruit of his doings". God is a fair judge who rewards and punishes each person as they deserve.

v. 20-21: Jeremiah remembers how God rescued Israel from Egypt with miracles and great power. These wonders were famous, not only in Israel but in other nations, and showed God’s glory (Jeremiah 32:20-21 ). God brought His people out with a strong hand, keeping His promises to their ancestors.

v. 22-23: God gave Israel the land He promised. The people received Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. But they disobeyed God and did not follow His laws, so Jeremiah admits that God was right to punish them (Jeremiah 32:22-23 ).

v. 24-25: Jeremiah describes the present crisis. He says, "Behold the siege ramps, they are coming to the city to take it... the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans"(Jeremiah 32:24 ). Everything God warned about is happening. Yet, Jeremiah is puzzled: God told him to buy a field even though the land is being conquered. He obeyed, but now he asks God to help him understand why (Jeremiah 32:25 ). Jeremiah trusts God, but wants to learn more about God’s plans and the meaning of His instructions.

Nothing Is Too Hard for the Lord This section shows how God reminds Jeremiah and the people that nothing is too difficult for Him. Even though Jerusalem is about to be conquered by the Babylonians because of the people’s sins, God promises that He can still restore and bless His people. The passage teaches us about God’s power, His justice in punishing sin, and His mercy in bringing hope and restoration even when things seem impossible.v. 26: The word of the Lord

v. 27: God says, “Behold, I am the Lord

v. 28: God announces that He will give Jerusalem into the hands of the Babylonians and King Nebuchadnezzar. The city will be captured because of the people’s sins .

v. 29: The Babylonians will come and set fire to the city. They will burn the houses, including those where people made offerings to idols and provoked God to anger .

v. 30: God explains that the people of Israel and Judah have done evil from their youth. They have constantly provoked Him with their actions .

v. 31: Jerusalem has been a source of anger and provocation to God from the day it was built. Because of this, God says He will remove the city from His sight .

v. 32: The disaster is coming because of all the evil done by the people of Israel and Judah, including their kings, officials, priests, prophets, and all the people of the city. Everyone has turned away from God .

v. 33: Instead of turning to God, the people have turned their backs on Him. Even though God taught them again and again, they refused to listen or learn .

v. 34: They have set up idols in God’s temple, defiling the house that was meant for His name .

v. 35: The people built high places to Baal and even sacrificed their children to false gods, something God never commanded or even thought of. This terrible sin brought judgment on Judah .

v. 36: God says that even though Jerusalem will be handed over to the Babylonians, there is still hope. God promises that He will gather His people from all the countries where they have been scattered and bring them back to their land .

v. 37: God will bring His people back safely and let them live in Jerusalem again. They will be His people, and He will be their God .

v. 38: God promises, “They shall be my people, and I will be their God.” This shows the close relationship God wants with His people .

v. 39: God will give them one heart and one way, so they will always fear Him for their own good and for the good of their children .

v. 40: God will make an everlasting covenant with them. He will never stop doing good to them, and He will put the desire to fear Him in their hearts so they will never turn away .

v. 41: God says He will rejoice in doing good to His people and will plant them in their land with all His heart and soul .

v. 42: Just as God brought disaster on the people, He promises to bring all the good He has promised them .

v. 43: Fields will once again be bought in the land, even though it is now desolate and controlled by the Babylonians .

v. 44: People will buy fields with silver, sign deeds, and seal them in the land of Benjamin, Jerusalem, and all the towns of Judah. God will restore their fortunes, just as He has promised (Jeremiah 32:44 ).In summary, this passage teaches that nothing is too hard for God. Even when His people face judgment for their sins, God is able to forgive, restore, and bless them if they turn back to Him. God’s power, justice, and mercy are all shown in His dealings with Jerusalem and His promises for the future.