Jeremiah 32

2 was shut up. See the more extended detail in ch. xxxvii.

5 until I visit him. This phrase is used sometimes in a favourable sense (see xxvii. 22), sometimes the contrary (see v. 9).

7 my field. Though the Levites (including the priests) could not hold other land, they possessed the suburbs of their cities (see Numb. xxxv. 4); which, however, could not be alienated, as other town property might (Lev. xxv. 32-34). The nearest of kin had the right of purchase (Lev. xxv. 25). But this transaction was merely a transfer from one member of a family to another, as in Ruth iv.

8. Then I knew, etc. By the coincidence with the prediction, 6, 7.

9 and weighed him the money. The Jews do not appear to have had a national coinage before the exile; but they made use of pieces of silver of a certain weight (220 grs.), called shekels. The purchase-money of this property was equal to only $11.50. The field itself may have been small; and its value was diminished by its being then in the possession of the Chaldeans.

11 the evidence (“deed,” R.V.) of the purchase. This is the first record of the use of written documents in the purchase of land; and it shows a near approach to the caution and completeness of similar modern transactions. The deed, being duly signed by the contracting parties and by witnesses, was sealed up, that it might be carefully preserved; while an “open” copy was made for occasional reference.

[according to] the law and custom. Or, as R.V. marg., “[containing] the terms and conditions.”

12. Baruch. Baruch was the friend and helper of Jeremiah on various occasions in his public ministry (see xxxvi., xliii.), and honoured by a special promise of Divine protection (see xlv.).

14 these evidences. “These deeds,” R.V., as before.

In an earthen vessel. A frequent mode of securing valuable things in the East. This sealed duplicate was made for reference, in case the open copy were lost or tampered with.

15 shall be possessed again. Rather, as R.V., “shall yet again be bought.”

24 the mounts. These were works raised by the besiegers, partly to cover their engines, and partly to elevate the soldiers to a level with the battlements of the city.

31 from the day that they built it. Solomon, who completed the city of Jerusalem, introduced into it that idolatry which afterwards caused its ruin: see 1 Kings xi. 4.

35. Molech. See notes on 2 Kings xvi. 3; xxiii. 10. 40 that I will not turn away from them, to do them good. The words mean, “that I will not cease from showing them favour.”