Study Desk

"After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD :

"Ah, Sovereign LORD , you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the LORD Almighty,

great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve.

You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours.

You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror.

You gave them this land you had sworn to give their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey.

They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So you brought all this disaster upon them.

"See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city. Because of the sword, famine and plague, the city will be handed over to the Babylonians who are attacking it. What you said has happened, as you now see.

And though the city will be handed over to the Babylonians, you, O Sovereign LORD , say to me, 'Buy the field with silver and have the transaction witnessed.' "