Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Hanamel, also spelled Hanameel, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Jeremiah. He is known primarily for his familial connection to the prophet Jeremiah and for a significant real estate transaction that carries prophetic symbolism. Biblical References: The primary reference to Hanamel is found in Jeremiah 32:6-15. This passage details a transaction between Hanamel and his cousin, the prophet Jeremiah. Family Background: Hanamel is identified as the son of Shallum, Jeremiah's uncle, making him Jeremiah's cousin. This familial relationship is crucial to understanding the context of the land purchase described in the Book of Jeremiah. The Land Purchase: In Jeremiah 32, during the tenth year of King Zedekiah's reign, the city of Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians. Despite the dire circumstances, God instructed Jeremiah to buy a field from Hanamel. The field was located in Anathoth, in the territory of Benjamin, which was Jeremiah's hometown. Jeremiah 32:7-8 states: "Behold, Hanamel son of your uncle Shallum is coming to you to say, ‘Buy for yourself my field in Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.’ Then, as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanamel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and urged me, ‘Please buy my field in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin, for you own the right of inheritance and redemption. Buy it for yourself.’" Symbolic Significance: The purchase of the field by Jeremiah from Hanamel was not merely a family transaction but held deep prophetic significance. Despite the impending Babylonian conquest and the exile of the people of Judah, God instructed Jeremiah to buy the land as a sign of hope and future restoration. The act symbolized God's promise that fields and vineyards would once again be bought and sold in the land, indicating a future return and restoration for the people of Israel. Jeremiah 32:15 declares: "For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.’" Legal and Cultural Context: The transaction between Hanamel and Jeremiah adhered to the laws of inheritance and redemption outlined in the Mosaic Law. According to Leviticus 25:25, if a man became poor and had to sell some of his property, his nearest relative had the right to redeem it. This law ensured that family land remained within the clan, preserving the tribal inheritance. Conclusion: Hanamel's role, though brief, is significant in the narrative of Jeremiah. His interaction with Jeremiah serves as a tangible demonstration of faith in God's promises, even amidst seemingly hopeless circumstances. The purchase of the field in Anathoth stands as a testament to the enduring hope and future restoration promised by God to His people. Concordance Han'amel (4 Occurrences)Jeremiah 32:7 Jeremiah 32:8 Jeremiah 32:9 Jeremiah 32:12 Thesaurus Han'amel (4 Occurrences)Han'amel. Hanamel, Han'amel. Hanan . Multi-Version Concordance Han'amel (4 Occurrences). Jeremiah 32:7 Lo, Hanameel son of Shallum ... /h/han'amel.htm - 7k Hanamel (4 Occurrences) Hanan (19 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |