Jeremiah 28:17

And in the seventh month of that very year, the prophet Hananiah died.

Study Bible

And in the seventh month
The seventh month in the Hebrew calendar is Tishri, which typically falls around September to October. This month is significant in the Jewish calendar as it includes important festivals such as the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These festivals are times of reflection, repentance, and celebration, which may underscore the gravity of Hananiah's death as a divine judgment during a spiritually significant period.

of that very year
The phrase emphasizes the immediacy of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy against Hananiah. Earlier in the chapter, Jeremiah prophesied that Hananiah would die within the year for falsely prophesying peace (Jeremiah 28:16). The fulfillment within the same year serves as a testament to the accuracy and authority of Jeremiah's prophetic word, contrasting the false assurances given by Hananiah.

the prophet Hananiah
Hananiah is identified as a prophet, though he is a false one. His actions in Jeremiah 28, where he breaks the yoke off Jeremiah's neck and proclaims a false message of peace, demonstrate the danger of false prophecy. His role as a prophet highlights the responsibility and accountability of those who claim to speak for God. His death serves as a warning against misleading God's people and underscores the seriousness of speaking presumptuously in God's name.

died
The death of Hananiah is a direct fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy and serves as a divine judgment against him for his false prophecies. This event underscores the theme of divine retribution and the seriousness with which God views the integrity of His word. It also serves as a validation of Jeremiah's true prophetic ministry. The death of a false prophet is a sobering reminder of the consequences of leading people astray and the ultimate triumph of truth over deception.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Hananiah
A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah. He falsely prophesied that the yoke of Babylon would be broken and that the exiles would return within two years.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jeremiah and Hananiah delivered their prophecies. It was under threat from Babylon during this period.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and took many of its people into exile. It serves as a backdrop for the prophecies of both Jeremiah and Hananiah.

5. The Seventh Month
The time specified in the verse when Hananiah died, marking the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy against him.

Teaching Points

The Importance of True Prophecy
God's word is reliable and true. We must discern and test the spirits to ensure we are following true teachings.

Consequences of False Prophecy
False teachings can lead people astray and have serious consequences. We must be vigilant and hold fast to the truth of Scripture.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
God's plans and timing are perfect. We should trust in His promises and not be swayed by messages that contradict His word.

Accountability Before God
Just as Hananiah faced consequences for his false prophecy, we are accountable to God for our words and actions.

The Role of Suffering and Exile
Sometimes, God allows difficult circumstances for a greater purpose. We should seek His guidance and remain faithful during trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the death of Hananiah in Jeremiah 28:17 serve as a warning against false prophecy in today's context?

2. In what ways can we discern true prophecy and teaching in our own lives, according to biblical principles?

3. How does the account of Hananiah and Jeremiah encourage us to trust in God's timing and plans, even when they differ from our expectations?

4. What are some modern examples of false teachings, and how can we guard ourselves against them using Scripture?

5. How can the consequences faced by Hananiah inspire us to live with integrity and accountability before God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
This passage outlines the test of a true prophet, emphasizing that a prophet whose predictions do not come true is not sent by God. Hananiah's death serves as a confirmation of Jeremiah's true prophetic authority.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
These verses provide the true prophecy of the duration of the Babylonian exile, contrasting Hananiah's false prophecy with God's actual plan for His people.

Acts 5:1-11
The account of Ananias and Sapphira in the New Testament, where deceit and falsehood before God lead to immediate judgment, parallels the fate of Hananiah.