Christian Formation for Sep. 29 - Jeremiah 32:1-15; Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege

September 29, 2013 – 19 Pentecost

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege

 

Background: The book of Jeremiah is fairly unique as it provides commentary and criticism of the Israelites during two periods of subjugation interspersed with a period of religious reform. Jeremiah is a descendent of the Levitical priestly line and was a descendant of Abiathar. In the latter portion of this book Jeremiah attempts to provide hope for a nation under siege and in exile.

 

Theme: This narrative is a portion of the tales of Jerusalem under siege. In it we see Jeremiah’s prophecy against King Zedekiah as well as an implied assurance that Israel’s exile would not be permanent and that the nation would be reformed and recognized as God’s chosen people.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read all of Jeremiah 32:1-15.

* Identify the following: King Zedekiah, King Nebuchadrezzar, Hanamel, Shallum, and Baruch. What are their roles in Israel?

* Why might Jeremiah be imprisoned?

* What was Jeremiah’s three-part prophecy against Zedekiah and Judah/Israel?

* What reaction does Zedekiah have after hearing Jeremiah’s prophecy? Why might Zedekiah take the prophecy personally?

* What might it mean when the text states that Jeremiah had “the right of redemption by purchase” of Shallum’s land? From where does this authority originate?

* What might Baruch’s role be in the story recounted in the text? What might Baruch’s function be?

* Why might the text explicitly state that Jeremiah and Hanamel conducted their transaction in public? Do you think land transactions would normally be conducted in public or private?

* For what reason might Jeremiah have Baruch seal the agreement in a jar for posterity?

* What do you think the passage, verses 13-15, is trying to convey about Israel’s relationship with God – even amidst the pending exile?

* What might be the message of hope Jeremiah was telling the people of Israel in this story?

* How might that message be translated into our common lives?

* What is the application of Jeremiah’s prophecy and witness in our time and world?

* How does this passage challenge us to be better witnesses of God’s presence in our lives?