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 role in a significant prophetic act involving the prophet Jeremiah. Hanamel was the son of Shallum, Jeremiah's uncle, making him Jeremiah's cousin. His account is found in Jeremiah 32, where he is involved in a land transaction that carries deep symbolic meaning.

Biblical Account

The primary account of Hanamel is found in Jeremiah 32:6-15. During the tenth year of King Zedekiah's reign, as the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem was underway, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. God instructed Jeremiah that Hanamel would come to him with an offer to buy his field in Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin. This was in accordance with the law of redemption, which allowed family members the right to redeem property to keep it within the family (Leviticus 25:25).

Jeremiah 32:7-8 states: "Behold, Hanamel son of Shallum your uncle 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.’”

Jeremiah, recognizing this as a sign from God, purchased the field from Hanamel for seventeen shekels of silver. The transaction was conducted in a formal manner, with witnesses and a deed of purchase, which was sealed and stored in an earthenware jar to ensure its preservation. This act was a prophetic sign that, despite the impending destruction and exile, God would eventually restore His people to the land.

Symbolic Significance

The purchase of the field from Hanamel was not merely a family transaction but a profound prophetic act. It symbolized hope and the promise of restoration. By buying the field, Jeremiah demonstrated faith in God's promise that "houses and fields and vineyards will again be bought in this land" (Jeremiah 32:15). This act of faith was a powerful message to the people of Judah, who were facing imminent conquest and exile by the Babylonians.

Cultural and Legal Context

The transaction between Jeremiah and Hanamel is rooted in the ancient Israelite laws of property and redemption. According to Levitical law, land was to remain within the family and tribe, and relatives had the right to redeem property sold due to economic hardship. This ensured the preservation of family inheritance and tribal boundaries.

Theological Implications

Hanamel's role in this narrative highlights themes of faith, obedience, and hope in God's promises. The act of purchasing the field, despite the dire circumstances, underscores the belief in God's faithfulness and the future restoration of His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's plans, even when they seem contrary to present realities.

In summary, Hanamel's interaction with Jeremiah is a key moment in the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah, illustrating the intertwining of legal customs, prophetic symbolism, and divine promise.HANAMEL

han'-a-mel (hanam'el; the King James Version Hanameel, ha-nam'el): The son of Shallum, Jeremiah's uncle, of whom the prophet, while in prison, during the time when Jerusalem was besieged by the Chaldeans, bought a field with due formalities, in token that a time would come when house and vineyards would once more be bought in the land (Jeremiah 32:6-15).

2601. Chanamel -- Jeremiah's cousin
... 2600, 2601. Chanamel. 2602 . Jeremiah's cousin. Transliteration: Chanamel
Phonetic Spelling: (khan-am-ale') Short Definition: Hanamel. ...
/hebrew/2601.htm - 6k

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... XXXII.6. And Jeremiah said, The Word of the Lord came to me saying, [7] Behold,
Hanamel son of Shallum thine uncle is coming to thee to say, Buy thee my field ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

Hanamel (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HANAMEL. han'-a-mel (hanam'el ... 6-15).
Multi-Version Concordance Hanamel (4 Occurrences). Jeremiah 32:7 ...
/h/hanamel.htm - 8k

Uncle's (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:8 So Hanamel my uncle's son came to me in the court of the guard according
to the word of Yahweh, and said to me, Please buy my field that is in ...
/u/uncle's.htm - 9k

An'athoth (19 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying,
Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours ...
/a/an'athoth.htm - 11k

Anathoth (16 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying,
Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours ...
/a/anathoth.htm - 14k

Nearest (22 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 See, Hanamel, the son of Shallum, your father's brother, will come
to you and say, Give the price and get for yourself my property in Anathoth ...
/n/nearest.htm - 13k

Uncle (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying,
Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours ...
/u/uncle.htm - 11k

Purchase (25 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying,
Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours ...
/p/purchase.htm - 16k

Watchmen (40 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:8 So Hanamel, the son of my father's brother, came to me, as the Lord
had said, to the place of the armed watchmen, and said to me, Give the price ...
/w/watchmen.htm - 19k

Hanameel (4 Occurrences)

/h/hanameel.htm - 8k

Buy (71 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 32:7 Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying,
Buy my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours ...
/b/buy.htm - 29k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus