Hananiah’s False Prophecy

1In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, near the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah (YHWH is righteous) of Judah (praised), the prophet Hananiah (God has favored) son of Azzur (he that assists), who was from Gibeon (hill city), said to me in the house of the LORD {YHWH} in the presence of the priests and all the people: 2“This is what the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts, the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon (confusion by mixing). 3Within two years I will restore to this place all the articles of the house of the LORD {YHWH} that Nebuchadnezzar (may Nebo protect the crown) king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) removed from here and carried to Babylon. 4And I will restore to this place Jeconiah (Jehoiachin)a son of Jehoiakim (YHWH raises up) king of Judah (praised), along with all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon (confusion by mixing),’ declares the LORD {YHWH}, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

5Then the prophet Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) replied to the prophet Hananiah (God has favored) in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD {YHWH}. 6“Amen!” Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) said. “May the LORD {YHWH} do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied, and may He restore the articles of His house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon (confusion by mixing).

7Nevertheless, listen now to this message I am speaking in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. 8The prophets of old who preceded you and me prophesied war, disaster, and plague against many lands and great kingdoms. 9As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only if the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD {YHWH} has truly sent.”

10Then the prophet Hananiah (God has favored) took the yoke off the neck of Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) the prophet and broke it. 11And in the presence of all the people Hananiah (God has favored) proclaimed, “This is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘In this way, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar (may Nebo protect the crown) king of Babylon (confusion by mixing) off the neck of all the nations.’”

At this, Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) the prophet went on his way. 12But shortly after Hananiah (God has favored) the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck (whom YHWH has appointed), the word of the LORD {YHWH} came to Jeremiah: 13“Go and tell Hananiah (God has favored) that this is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’

14For this is what the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts, the God {Elohe} of Israel (he wrestles with God), says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar (may Nebo protect the crown) king of Babylon (confusion by mixing), and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’”

15Then the prophet Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) said to the prophet Hananiah (God has favored), “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD {YHWH} did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie. 16Therefore this is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. You will die this year because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.’”

17And in the seventh month of that very year, the prophet Hananiah (God has favored) died.