Jeremiah 28:15

Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, "Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie.

Study Bible

Then the prophet Jeremiah
Jeremiah, whose name means "Yahweh exalts," is a central prophetic figure in the Old Testament. He is often referred to as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep compassion and sorrow over the spiritual state of Judah. His ministry spanned over 40 years, during which he delivered God's messages of warning and hope. Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth, often in the face of opposition and danger. His life and ministry exemplify obedience and faithfulness to God's calling, even when it leads to personal suffering.

said to Hananiah the prophet
Hananiah, whose name means "Yahweh is gracious," was a false prophet who opposed Jeremiah. In the context of Jeremiah 28, Hananiah had prophesied that the yoke of Babylon would be broken and the exiles would return within two years. This was a message of false hope, contradicting God's true word through Jeremiah. The presence of false prophets like Hananiah highlights the spiritual conflict and deception prevalent in Judah at the time. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

“Listen, Hananiah!
The call to "listen" is a command to pay attention and heed the words being spoken. In Hebrew, the word often used is "shema," which implies not just hearing but also obeying. Jeremiah's directive to Hananiah underscores the seriousness of the message he is about to deliver. It is a call to recognize the authority of God's true word over the deceptive words of false prophets. This moment is a pivotal confrontation between truth and falsehood, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and obedience to God's voice.

The LORD has not sent you
This declaration is a direct refutation of Hananiah's claim to prophetic authority. The phrase "The LORD has not sent you" is a powerful assertion of divine authority and truth. In the Hebrew context, being sent by the LORD signifies having a legitimate commission and message from God. Jeremiah's statement exposes Hananiah as a false prophet, one who speaks presumptuously without divine endorsement. This serves as a warning against those who claim to speak for God without His true commission, a theme that echoes throughout the Bible.

but you have led this people to trust in a lie
The consequence of Hananiah's false prophecy is that he has led the people to "trust in a lie." Trust, in the biblical sense, involves placing one's confidence and hope in something or someone. By leading the people to trust in a lie, Hananiah has not only deceived them but also diverted their trust away from God's true word. This phrase highlights the destructive power of falsehood and the responsibility of leaders to guide people in truth. It serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual and moral implications of false prophecy and the importance of aligning one's trust with God's revealed truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah. He is often referred to as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the people's disobedience and the impending judgment.

2. Hananiah
A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah. He falsely prophesied that the Babylonian captivity would end within two years, contradicting Jeremiah's message from God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who is the ultimate authority and source of true prophecy. In this context, He is the one who has not sent Hananiah, highlighting the seriousness of false prophecy.

4. The People of Judah
The audience of both Jeremiah and Hananiah's prophecies. They were in a state of political and spiritual turmoil, facing the threat of Babylonian conquest.

5. Babylonian Captivity
A significant event in Jewish history where the people of Judah were exiled to Babylon. This was a period of judgment and reflection for the nation.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating messages claimed to be from God. Not all who speak in God's name are sent by Him.

The Danger of False Assurance
False prophets offer a false sense of security, leading people away from genuine repentance and obedience to God.

The Importance of Truth
Trusting in lies can have devastating consequences. It is crucial to seek and adhere to the truth of God's Word.

Accountability for Leaders
Those who claim to speak for God bear a heavy responsibility. Misleading others in God's name is a serious offense.

The Role of Suffering and Judgment
Sometimes, God's plans involve hardship and discipline, which are necessary for growth and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false messages that claim to be from God in today's context?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to trust in comforting lies rather than difficult truths? How can we guard against this?

3. How does the account of Hananiah and Jeremiah challenge us to evaluate the messages we hear from spiritual leaders?

4. What are some modern examples of false assurances that might lead people away from genuine faith and repentance?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 28:15 to ensure we are living in alignment with God's truth, even when it is challenging?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
This passage outlines the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing that a prophet who speaks presumptuously in God's name is not sent by God. This connects to Jeremiah's rebuke of Hananiah.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing. This New Testament teaching echoes the situation in Jeremiah 28, where discernment is necessary to identify true from false prophecy.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns that people will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear, similar to how the people of Judah were misled by Hananiah's comforting but false message.