Jeremiah 32 tells of the prophet purchasing a field in the home town of Anathoth as directed by God, whilst he was imprisoned by King Zedekiah for having prophesied what he didn't like whilst Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians. This purchase was a real estate object lesson about how God would one day restore prosperity to his people and "once more fields will be bought in this land... because I will restore their fortunes, declares the Lord". The legal documents for the purchase were stored in an earthenware jar so as to survive the judgement period of God. Then comes a prayer by Jeremiah which expresses his bewilderment at the purchase of the field under God's guidance in such an unfavourable time. God replies to Jeremiah's prayer saying that his judgement was due to his people's sinful idolatry but he promises eventual redemption and restoration to the land.
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