Definition: So I took the evidence of the purchase, [both] that which was sealed [according] to the law and custom, and that which was open:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this part of Jeremiah 32:11. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage. Here’s a simplified explanation: Essentially, it means: “I looked at the details – the original agreement and the new one – to understand what was happening.” Let’s unpack that a bit further: “Evidence of the purchase” : This refers to something that proves a deal or agreement has already been made. Think of it like a signed contract. “[Both] that which was sealed [according] to the law and custom…” : This is the key part. “Sealed according to the law and custom” means that there was an existing agreement or arrangement, but it was established with rules, traditions, and regulations already in place. It's a pre-existing framework. “…and that which was open:” This means there was also something new being created – a new agreement or deal. So, the whole verse is saying: “I examined both existing agreements and new ones to understand what was happening and what needed to be done.” What’s the big deal? This is often interpreted as Jeremiah recognizing that God's plan wasn’t just about a single, definitive agreement. He recognized that there were multiple ways to fulfill His purpose, and he needed to see both the established past and the potential for new action. Context is important: This verse appears in a larger context within the book of Jeremiah, which deals with God's judgment against Judah and the impending destruction of the nation. It’s suggesting a degree of complexity and that God wasn’t just imposing a single law; He was allowing for multiple possibilities. In short, it’s about looking beyond just the surface level of an agreement to understand the deeper meaning behind what's being done. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you some historical context about Jeremiah and this passage?