Jeremiah was under house-arrest. The Babylonians were at the gates of Jerusalem. The prophet has prophesied doom for the city and the king. But his message and actions moved beyond the present dilemma to a future of promise.
Under the direction of God, Jeremiah redeemed property belonging to his uncle in their ancestral village, Anathoth. A teacher of mine once described the action of the prophet as "foolishly purchasing property at ground-zero." Anathoth is located a few miles north of Jerusalem over the Mount of Olives.
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| Modern-day Anathoth |
Such a proclamation by a prophet was "parabolic action." His actions spoke louder than words regarding God's purposes and plans.
Although present circumstances were dire for God's people and judgment was at hand, the future was in God's hands and filled with promise.
The theme of hope is never stronger than in Jeremiah's final words: "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land."
It should be noted that the strict account of the business transaction was detailed in every aspect according to legal practices of the time. Perhaps this record was to assure the reader that such an absurd purchase at such an impossible time did indeed take place. It's message of hope can be trusted as can the God of hope and redemption.
HT: Davie Napier, Leon Mauldin
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