Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:*Biblical Context:* This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to the prophet Jeremiah. Throughout the book of Jeremiah, this phrase is used to introduce divine revelations or instructions given to the prophet. It underscores the role of Jeremiah as a true prophet who receives and conveys God's messages to the people of Judah.
*Historical and Cultural Context:* Jeremiah was a prophet during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, around the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC. This was a time when the kingdom of Judah was under threat from the Babylonian Empire. The phrase signifies the importance of divine guidance during times of national crisis and uncertainty.
*Connections to Other Scripture:* Similar phrases are found throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea), indicating a common pattern of divine communication. This emphasizes the consistency of God's interaction with His chosen messengers.
*Prophecy:* The phrase introduces a prophetic message, often containing elements of warning, judgment, or hope. In the context of
Jeremiah 32, it precedes a message of assurance about God's power and the future restoration of Israel, despite the impending Babylonian captivity.
*Types of Jesus Christ:* While this specific phrase does not directly typify Christ, the role of Jeremiah as a prophet who speaks God's word can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus, who is the ultimate Word of God (
John 1:1) and the fulfillment of the prophetic tradition.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Israelites. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the sins of his people and the coming judgment.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises. In this context, He is the one communicating with Jeremiah.
3.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, significant in biblical history as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. At this time, it is under threat from Babylonian forces.
4.
Babylonian SiegeThe historical event during which the Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged and eventually destroyed Jerusalem, leading to the exile of the Jewish people.
5.
ProphecyThe act of conveying messages from God, often concerning future events or divine will. Jeremiah's prophecies were both warnings of judgment and promises of future restoration.
Teaching Points
God's CommunicationGod actively communicates with His people, often through His chosen prophets. Today, He speaks through His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit.
Faithfulness in AdversityJeremiah's role as a prophet during a time of national crisis teaches us to remain faithful and obedient to God's calling, even when circumstances are challenging.
Divine SovereigntyThe context of this verse reminds us of God's sovereignty over nations and history. He is in control, even when situations seem dire.
Hope in God's PromisesDespite the impending judgment, God's communication with Jeremiah includes promises of restoration and hope, encouraging us to trust in His future plans.
The Power of God's WordJust as God's word came to Jeremiah with authority and purpose, we can trust that His Word today is powerful and effective in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Jeremiah 32:26?
2.How does Jeremiah 32:26 affirm God's omnipotence in your daily life?
3.What does "I am the LORD" reveal about God's authority and character?
4.How can Jeremiah 32:26 strengthen your trust in God's promises?
5.Connect Jeremiah 32:26 with another scripture highlighting God's power and sovereignty.
6.How can acknowledging God's power in Jeremiah 32:26 impact your prayer life?
7.How does Jeremiah 32:26 demonstrate God's omnipotence in the Bible?
8.What historical context surrounds Jeremiah 32:26?
9.How does Jeremiah 32:26 relate to God's promises to Israel?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 32?
11.Why would a just God hold the entire 'clay' (nation) responsible when individuals have varying degrees of guilt, per Jeremiah 18?
12.In Jeremiah 26:12-15, what proof exists that Jeremiah truly spoke God's words and not his own personal agenda?
13.In Jeremiah 26:10-11, why is there no clear external evidence of formal court proceedings against Jeremiah outside the biblical record?
14.Who is the author of the Book of Micah?What Does Jeremiah 32:26 Mean
Then- The small word “then” anchors this verse in a specific moment—after Jeremiah’s costly act of faith in purchasing a field while Jerusalem was under siege (Jeremiah 32:6-15).
- It signals that God speaks right when obedience meets hardship, echoing similar divine “then” moments inGenesis 22:15 (after Abraham raised the knife) and1 Kings 19:12-13 (after Elijah’s cave-bound despair).
- Here, the timing reminds us that the Lord never wastes our obedience; He responds to faith in real time.
the word- What came was not a feeling or impression but “the word”—clear, authoritative revelation (Jeremiah 1:2;Isaiah 55:11).
- Scripture consistently treats God’s word as active and creative, seen inGenesis 1:3 andHebrews 4:12, so Jeremiah can trust its power to shape events even while Babylonian armies surround the city.
- For believers today, this underlines why we cling to the written Word in crisis; it carries the same certainty.
of the LORD- The source is Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who brought Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 6:2-6).
- His covenant name reminds Jeremiah—and us—of unwavering faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
- Because the message comes from the LORD, it is as reliable as His character; seeNumbers 23:19 andJames 1:17.
came- The verb pictures initiative from heaven toward earth, much like “the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision” (Genesis 15:1) and “came expressly to Ezekiel” (Ezekiel 1:3).
- God’s word “comes” even into besieged cities or shattered lives, provingPsalm 139:7-10 true—there is no place beyond His reach.
- This action reassures Jeremiah that God is actively involved, not merely observing events.
to Jeremiah- God addresses the very prophet who is imprisoned for preaching truth (Jeremiah 32:2-3).
- His earlier call (Jeremiah 1:4-10) promised that God would be with him “to deliver” him, and that promise is kept here.
- By speaking personally, the Lord shows He knows His servants by name (Isaiah 43:1;John 10:3).
- The personalization also validates Jeremiah’s ministry for the remnant who will later read his scrolls (Jeremiah 36:1-3).
summaryJeremiah 32:26 may appear to be a simple narrative link, yet each word carries weight. “Then” roots God’s speech in the moment of Jeremiah’s costly faith. “The word” highlights divine revelation’s power. “Of the LORD” underscores the unchanging faithfulness behind that word. “Came” shows God’s active initiative, reaching into siege and prison. “To Jeremiah” personalizes the message, confirming the prophet’s call. Together they assure us that, in any crisis, the faithful can expect the living God to speak with authority, clarity, and perfect timing.
Verses 26-44. - The Divine answer. This falls into two parts. First, Jehovah repeats the burden of so many prophecies, that Israel has only to blame himself for his punishment (vers. 26-35); and then a bright future is disclosed beyond the gloomy interval of conquest and captivity - a future when men shall buy fields, and comply with all the legal formalities, precisely as Jeremiah has done (vers. 36-44).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the wordדְּבַר־(də·ḇar-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeof the LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelcameוַיְהִי֙(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, betoאֶֽל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toJeremiah:יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ(yir·mə·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414:Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites
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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 32:26 Then came the word of Yahweh (Jer.)