Jeremiah 28:13

"Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: 'You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.'

Study Bible

Go and tell Hananiah
This phrase is a direct command from God to Jeremiah, emphasizing the role of the prophet as a messenger. The Hebrew root for "go" (הלך, halak) often implies not just physical movement but also a journey of obedience and purpose. Jeremiah is tasked with confronting Hananiah, a false prophet, which underscores the courage required to deliver God's truth in the face of opposition. Historically, prophets were often called to deliver difficult messages, and this highlights the seriousness of Hananiah's false prophecy.

that this is what the LORD says
This phrase establishes the divine authority behind Jeremiah's message. The Hebrew term for "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. It reminds the audience that the message is not Jeremiah's opinion but a declaration from the sovereign God. In the context of ancient Israel, where many voices claimed divine inspiration, this phrase was crucial for distinguishing true prophecy from false.

You have broken a wooden yoke
The "wooden yoke" symbolizes the initial, lighter burden that God had placed upon the nations, including Judah, through Babylonian rule. The Hebrew word for "yoke" (על, ol) is often used metaphorically to describe subjugation or servitude. Hananiah's act of breaking the wooden yoke was a symbolic gesture meant to declare freedom from Babylonian oppression. However, it was a false assurance, as it contradicted God's actual plan. This highlights the danger of false prophecy, which can lead people away from God's intended path.

but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron
The "yoke of iron" represents a harsher, more severe bondage that would result from Hananiah's false prophecy. Iron, in biblical symbolism, often denotes strength and unyielding oppression. The Hebrew word for "iron" (ברזל, barzel) conveys a sense of something that is difficult to break or escape from. This phrase serves as a warning that rejecting God's true message leads to greater hardship. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon's control over Judah became more oppressive, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's warnings and the importance of discerning true prophetic voices.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in delivering God's truth despite opposition.

2. Hananiah
A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah, claiming that God would break the yoke of Babylon and restore the exiles within two years. His message was contrary to God's true word.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to guide, correct, and instruct His people.

4. Wooden Yoke
Symbolizes the subjugation and servitude that Judah was to endure under Babylon as a consequence of their disobedience.

5. Iron Yoke
Represents a harsher, more unyielding form of bondage that would replace the wooden yoke due to Hananiah's false prophecy and the people's continued rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Danger of False Prophecy
False prophets, like Hananiah, can lead people astray with messages that appeal to their desires rather than God's truth. Discernment is crucial.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's warnings can lead to harsher consequences. The shift from a wooden to an iron yoke illustrates the severity of continued rebellion.

The Importance of True Prophetic Voices
True prophets, like Jeremiah, often face opposition but remain steadfast in delivering God's message. We must value and heed true prophetic voices.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's plans will prevail despite human opposition. His justice ensures that falsehood is exposed and truth is upheld.

The Call to Repentance
Even in judgment, God offers opportunities for repentance. Recognizing and turning from falsehood can restore us to God's intended path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false teachings in today's world, similar to the situation with Jeremiah and Hananiah?

2. What are some modern "wooden yokes" that people might be tempted to break, only to find themselves under a "yoke of iron"?

3. How does the imagery of the yoke in Jeremiah 28:13 relate to Jesus' teaching about His yoke in Matthew 11:28-30?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and following true prophetic voices in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when ignoring a warning led to more severe consequences. How can this experience guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
Discusses blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including the imagery of a yoke, which connects to the consequences faced by Judah.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus speaks of His yoke being easy and His burden light, contrasting the heavy yoke of sin and false teachings.

Acts 15:10
The early church discusses the yoke of the law, emphasizing freedom in Christ rather than bondage to legalism.