From every human point of view this purchase of land in territory already under the control of the Babylonians, appeared to be an act of folly. The prophet himself had been foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem, the desolation of Judea, and the utter ruin of the kingdom. He had been prophesying a long period of captivity in faraway Babylon. Already advanced in years, he could never hope to receive personal benefit from the purchase he had made. However, his study of the prophecies that were recorded in the Scriptures had created within his heart a firm conviction that the Lord purposed to restore to the children of the captivity their ancient possession of the Land of Promise. With the eye of faith Jeremiah saw the exiles returning at the end of the years of affliction and reoccupying the land of their fathers. Through the purchase of the Anathoth estate he would do what he could to inspire others with the hope that brought so much comfort to his own heart. PK 469.1 Having signed th…
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Both passages deal with faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. Jeremiah's purchase of land, despite the impending Babylonian captivity, demonstrates faith in God's promise of restoration, mirroring the concept of faith as 'the substance of things hoped for' in Hebrews 11:1.
"Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be."
Both passages highlight believing against hope. Jeremiah's action of buying land while facing imminent destruction parallels Abraham's belief that he would become the father of many nations despite his and Sarah's old age. Both acted on faith in God's promise when the situation seemed hopeless.
"So discouraging was the outlook for Judah at the time of this extraordinary transaction that immediately after perfecting the details of the purchase and arranging for the preservation of the written records, the faith of Jeremiah, unshaken though it had been, was now sorely tried. Had he, in his endeavor to encourage Judah, acted presumptuously? In his desire to establish confidence in the promises of God's word, had he given ground for false hope? Those who had entered into covenant relationship with God had long since scorned the provisions made in their behalf. Could the promises to the chosen nation ever meet with complete fulfillment? PK 469.3"
"Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah."
Both passages express doubt and questioning of God's promises in the face of adversity. Jeremiah's questioning of whether he acted presumptuously mirrors the Psalmist's questioning of whether God's mercy and promises have failed.