From hence may be concluded the certainty of future contingency in God's eye; the coming of Hanameel was a future contingency, yet certainly known to God, so as he could tell the prophet he would come. Anathoth (as appears from Joshua 21:18) was one of the cities of the Levites; hence ariseth a question, how it could be sold to Jeremiah, who by the law might not possess it, Numbers 18:20, being a Levite.
1. Some excuse it from the command of God, who might dispense with his own law; but this seemeth not enough, because it is said afterward, the right of redemption is thine.
2. Others therefore say the Levites might have some small possessions, though no ploughed land; they might have houses, and orchards, and gardens, in cities and suburbs. But that these might be sold seemeth contrary to the law, Leviticus 25:34. It is therefore rather thought to be meant of some small estate left to Hanameel from his ancestors. The right of redemption belonged to the next of kin, Leviticus 25:25 Ruth 4:4.