Jeremiah 28:1

In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, near the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people:

Study Bible

In the fifth month
The fifth month in the Hebrew calendar is Av, which typically falls around July or August in the Gregorian calendar. This period is significant in Jewish history, often associated with mourning and reflection, particularly due to the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The timing of this event underscores the gravity of the prophetic message and the historical context of impending judgment and exile.

of that same year, the fourth year
This phrase situates the event in a specific historical context, the fourth year of Zedekiah's reign, around 593 BC. This was a tumultuous time for Judah, as Babylonian power was rising, and the threat of exile loomed. The specificity of the timing highlights the urgency and immediacy of the prophetic messages being delivered.

early in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah
Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. The phrase "early in the reign" suggests a period of potential change and decision-making, where the king and the nation could choose to heed prophetic warnings or continue in rebellion against God.

the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur from Gibeon
Hananiah is introduced as a prophet, yet his message contrasts sharply with that of Jeremiah. Gibeon, his hometown, was a significant city in Benjamin, known for its historical and religious importance. The mention of his lineage, "son of Azzur," adds a personal dimension, grounding him in a specific community and heritage. This introduction sets the stage for the conflict between true and false prophecy.

said to me in the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and divine revelation for the Israelites. This setting emphasizes the seriousness of the prophetic encounter, as it occurs in a sacred space dedicated to God's presence. It also highlights the public nature of the message, delivered in a place where religious leaders and the community gathered.

in the presence of the priests and all the people
The presence of the priests and the people indicates that this was a public declaration, not a private conversation. The priests, as religious leaders, and the people, as the community of believers, are witnesses to the prophetic word. This setting underscores the communal responsibility to discern and respond to God's message, highlighting the tension between true and false prophecy in the life of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zedekiah, King of Judah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. His reign is a backdrop for the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah.

2. Hananiah, Son of Azzur
A prophet from Gibeon who opposed Jeremiah's message. Hananiah is known for delivering a false prophecy of peace, contradicting Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment.

3. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance. He often faced opposition from false prophets like Hananiah.

4. Gibeon
A city in ancient Israel, known for its historical and religious significance. It was a Levitical city and a place where significant biblical events occurred.

5. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and prophecy in ancient Israel. It was a place where prophets often delivered their messages.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating prophetic messages, ensuring they align with Scripture and are fulfilled as promised.

The Danger of False Assurance
Hananiah's false prophecy of peace serves as a warning against messages that offer comfort without repentance or alignment with God's will.

Faithfulness in Opposition
Jeremiah's steadfastness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, encourages believers to remain faithful to God's truth even when it is unpopular.

The Role of the Church
The setting in the house of the LORD highlights the importance of the church as a place for truth and accountability in teaching and prophecy.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical context of biblical events can provide valuable lessons for contemporary faith and practice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of Zedekiah's reign influence our understanding of Jeremiah's and Hananiah's prophecies?

2. In what ways can we apply the criteria for true and false prophets from Deuteronomy 18:20-22 to modern-day teachings and prophecies?

3. How can we cultivate discernment in our spiritual lives to recognize messages that align with God's truth?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness in the face of opposition, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

5. How does the setting of the house of the LORD in this passage inform our understanding of the role of the church in teaching and accountability?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 27
This chapter provides context for Jeremiah 28, where Jeremiah warns of the Babylonian captivity and urges submission to Nebuchadnezzar. Hananiah's prophecy directly contradicts this message.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
These verses outline the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning the truth of a prophet's message based on its fulfillment.

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters detail the historical context of Zedekiah's reign and the eventual fall of Jerusalem, confirming Jeremiah's prophecies.