◄ Jeremiah 28 ►
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Hananiah’s False Prophecy 1In 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: 2“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3Within two years I will restore to this place all the articles of the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here and carried to Babylon. 4And I will restore to this place Jeconiaha son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’” 5Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD. 6“Amen!” Jeremiah said. “May the LORD 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. 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 has truly sent.” 10Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke it. 11And in the presence of all the people Hananiah proclaimed, “This is what the LORD says: ‘In this way, within two years I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations.’” At this, Jeremiah the prophet went on his way. 12But shortly after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: 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.’ 14For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’” 15Then 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. 16Therefore this is what the LORD 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 died. Footnotes: 4 a Jeconiah is a variant of Jehoiachin; see 2 Kings 24:12. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Jeremiah 28 Summary Hananiah's False Prophecy Verses 1–4 – Hananiah’s Prophecy of Quick Deliverance In the fourth year of King Zedekiah, a prophet named Hananiah steps forward in the temple and promises that within two years the Babylonian yoke will be broken, the temple treasures will be returned, and King Jeconiah and the exiles will come home. The people welcome the upbeat message. Verses 5–9 – Jeremiah Sets the Standard Jeremiah answers, “Amen! May the LORD do so,” yet reminds everyone that a word of peace must come true before the prophet can be trusted. History shows that prophets who warned of judgment—such as Moses, Samuel, and Elijah—were proven right; peaceful prophecies need the same test. Verses 10–11 – The Yoke Broken and Popular Applause Hananiah grabs the wooden yoke that Jeremiah has been wearing (a sign from the previous chapter) and smashes it, dramatizing his claim that God has shattered Babylon’s power. The crowd cheers, and Jeremiah, for the moment, walks away in silence. Verses 12–14 – From Wood to Iron Soon afterward the LORD sends Jeremiah back with a stronger word: “You have broken the yokes of wood, but in their place you have made yokes of iron.” Judah and the neighboring nations will indeed serve Nebuchadnezzar; resistance will only tighten the bondage. Verses 15–17 – Hananiah’s Death Sentence Fulfilled Jeremiah tells Hananiah, “The LORD has not sent you, and you have led this people to trust in a lie… ‘This year you will die.’ ” Two months later, in the seventh month, Hananiah dies, sealing the matter. Jeremiah 28, set in the tumultuous times of the reign of King Zedekiah, features a prophetic confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah. This chapter serves as an important lesson on the discernment of truth from falsehood and the consequences of prophesying falsely in God's name. Historical Setting • Year: 594 BC (fourth year of Zedekiah). Babylon has already taken the first wave of captives (597 BC) but has not yet destroyed Jerusalem (586 BC). • Political climate: Nations west of the Euphrates are plotting rebellion. Envoys from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon are in Jerusalem (Jeremiah 27:3). Hananiah taps into widespread hopes of a coalition victory over Babylon. • Religious backdrop: The temple still stands, so many assume God will never allow its fall (cf. Jeremiah 7:4). Jeremiah’s call to submit to Babylon sounds unpatriotic. Key Themes 1. False confidence versus true hope. 2. The test of a prophet: fulfillment, not popularity (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). 3. God’s patience and justice—He gives clear warnings before judgment. 4. Personal accountability: Hananiah’s death shows leaders are answerable for misleading teaching (James 3:1). Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Yoke imagery: A wooden bar laid across the shoulders linked two animals; removing it pictured freedom (Leviticus 26:13). Iron yokes were rare, symbolizing unbreakable domination. • Babylonian ration tablets excavated at Babylon list “Yau-kinu, king of Judah” (Jeconiah) and confirm exiles were alive and provisioned, matching Jeremiah 52:31-34. • Gibeon, Hananiah’s hometown, is well-excavated. Jar handles stamped “GBN” attest to its prosperity, suggesting Hananiah came from a respectable background. Lessons on Discernment • A pleasing sermon is not always a true sermon (2 Timothy 4:3). • God never contradicts His earlier words; Jeremiah’s message aligns with past warnings (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). • Time is the friend of truth: Jeremiah lets events vindicate God’s word. • Public demonstrations (breaking a yoke) can sway crowds, but outcomes reveal reality. Connections to Other Scriptures • 1 Kings 22 – Micaiah stands alone against 400 prophets predicting victory. • Numbers 16 – Korah challenges Moses and dies; leadership challenges carry risk. • Acts 13:6-12 – Elymas opposes Paul and is struck blind; divine judgment on deceit. • 1 John 4:1 – “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Takeaways for Modern Readers • Compare every teaching with the whole counsel of God’s Word, not just the parts we like. • Beware of messages that promise instant relief without repentance. • Courage may look like agreeing with an unpopular truth (Jeremiah) rather than championing a popular lie (Hananiah). • God’s deadlines are real; mercy invites repentance, but stubborn pride invites discipline. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 18:20-22 Discusses the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of prophecy fulfillment. 1 John 4:1 Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Warns of a time when people will not endure sound doctrine but will gather teachers to suit their own desires. Teaching Points The Setting and Characters Jeremiah 28 takes place during the reign of King Zedekiah, a time of political turmoil and impending Babylonian domination. Jeremiah, a true prophet of God, is contrasted with Hananiah, a false prophet who delivers a message of peace and prosperity. The False Prophecy of Hananiah Hananiah boldly declares, This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon’ (Jeremiah 28:2). He promises that within two years, the exiles will return and the temple vessels will be restored, offering a message of hope that contradicts God's true word through Jeremiah. Jeremiah's Response Jeremiah initially responds with a cautious Amen, expressing a desire for Hananiah's words to be true but reminding the people of the historical pattern of true prophecy (Jeremiah 28:6-9). He emphasizes that true prophets are often known by their messages of warning and repentance, not just peace. The Consequence of False Prophecy God instructs Jeremiah to confront Hananiah, declaring, Listen, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, and you have led this people to trust in a lie (Jeremiah 28:15). Hananiah's fate is sealed as Jeremiah prophesies his death, which occurs within the same year, confirming Jeremiah's authenticity as a prophet of God. Practical Applications Discernment in Listening Be cautious of messages that promise peace and prosperity without calling for repentance and obedience to God. Test every message against the truth of Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Faithfulness to God's Word Stand firm in the truth of God's Word, even when it is unpopular or contradicts the prevailing cultural narrative. Recognize that true prophecy often involves difficult truths and calls for repentance. Accountability for Leaders Hold spiritual leaders accountable to the truth of Scripture, ensuring their teachings align with God's Word. Encourage leaders to prioritize faithfulness over popularity. People 1. Jeremiah Jeremiah is the prophet of the Lord, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah. In this chapter, he is confronted by Hananiah and responds to his false prophecy. Jeremiah's role is to faithfully deliver God's true message, even when it is unpopular. 2. Hananiah Hananiah is identified as a false prophet who opposes Jeremiah. He delivers a message of peace and restoration, claiming that the Lord will break the yoke of Babylon and return the exiles and temple articles within two years. His prophecy is in direct contradiction to what God has revealed to Jeremiah. 3. The Priests and All the People These are the audience present in the temple when Hananiah delivers his false prophecy. They witness the confrontation between Hananiah and Jeremiah. Their presence highlights the public nature of prophetic declarations and the influence such messages have on the community. 4. The Lord (Yahweh) While not a human character, the Lord is central to the narrative as the source of true prophecy. The chapter underscores the importance of discerning God's true message from falsehood. The Hebrew name for the Lord, Yahweh (יהוה), is significant in understanding the covenant relationship between God and His people. Places 1. Gibeon This is the place where Hananiah, the son of Azzur, is from. Gibeon was a significant city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its historical and religious importance. In Hebrew, Gibeon is "גִּבְעוֹן" (Giv'on), which means "hill city." 2. Jerusalem The events of Jeremiah 28 take place in Jerusalem, specifically in the house of the LORD, which refers to the temple. Jerusalem, in Hebrew "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), is the central city of worship and the political and spiritual heart of Israel. Events 1. Hananiah's False Prophecy Hananiah, the son of Azzur, a prophet from Gibeon, speaks in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people. He claims that the LORD has broken the yoke of the king of Babylon and that within two years, the exiles and the articles of the LORD's house will be returned to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 28:1-4). 2. Jeremiah's Response Jeremiah the prophet responds to Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people. He expresses a hope that the LORD will indeed fulfill Hananiah's prophecy but reminds them that true prophets are known by the fulfillment of their prophecies (Jeremiah 28:5-9). 3. Hananiah's Symbolic Act Hananiah takes the yoke off the neck of Jeremiah and breaks it, symbolically declaring that the LORD will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, from the neck of all nations within two years (Jeremiah 28:10-11). 4. The LORD's Word to Jeremiah After Hananiah's act, the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah. The LORD instructs Jeremiah to tell Hananiah that he has broken wooden yokes but will replace them with iron yokes, signifying a stronger bondage under Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 28:12-14). 5. Jeremiah's Pronouncement of Judgment Jeremiah tells Hananiah that the LORD has not sent him and that he has made the people trust in a lie. Consequently, the LORD declares that Hananiah will die within the year because he has preached rebellion against the LORD (Jeremiah 28:15-16). 6. Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet dies, fulfilling the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28:17). Lessons from Jeremiah 28 1. Beware of False Prophets In Jeremiah 28, we encounter Hananiah, a false prophet who boldly declares a message contrary to God's word. This serves as a reminder to be discerning and cautious of those who claim to speak for God but do not align with Scripture. As 1 John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." Always measure teachings against the truth of the Bible. 2. The Importance of Patience Jeremiah's message was one of patience and endurance, as he conveyed God's plan for a seventy-year exile. This teaches us the value of waiting on God's timing rather than seeking quick fixes. As James 1:4 encourages, "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 3. Stand Firm in Truth Despite opposition, Jeremiah stood firm in delivering God's true message. This is a call for us to remain steadfast in our faith and convictions, even when it's unpopular. Ephesians 6:14 reminds us, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." 4. God's Plans Prevail Hananiah's false prophecy promised a swift end to the Babylonian captivity, but God's plan was different. This illustrates that God's purposes will always prevail, as Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." 5. The Consequences of Deception Hananiah's deceit led to his downfall, highlighting the serious consequences of leading others astray. This serves as a warning to uphold truth and integrity in all our dealings. Proverbs 12:22 tells us, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." 6. The Role of Prophets Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to communicate God's message, even when it was difficult. This reminds us of the importance of listening to and respecting those who faithfully teach God's word. Hebrews 13:7 encourages us to "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you." 7. The Power of God's Word Jeremiah's prophecies were fulfilled, demonstrating the power and reliability of God's word. Isaiah 55:11 assures us, "So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire." 8. Humility in Leadership Jeremiah's humility in delivering God's message contrasts with Hananiah's arrogance. This teaches us the importance of humility in leadership and service. As Philippians 2:3 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." 9. The Need for Repentance The chapter underscores the need for genuine repentance and turning back to God. Jeremiah's message was a call to return to the Lord, echoing the timeless truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 10. Trust in God's Sovereignty Ultimately, Jeremiah 28 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that His plans are for our good, even when we don't understand them. Romans 8:28 reassures us, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Let this truth anchor your faith and guide your steps. Topics 1. Hananiah's False Prophecy Hananiah, the son of Azzur, a prophet from Gibeon, falsely prophesies that the LORD will break the yoke of the king of Babylon within two years, returning the exiles and the temple articles. This is a direct contradiction to Jeremiah's earlier prophecies. The Hebrew root for "prophet" (נָבִיא, ^navi^) is significant here, as it highlights the role and responsibility of a true prophet. 2. Jeremiah's Response to Hananiah Jeremiah responds to Hananiah's prophecy by expressing a hope that it might be true but reminds the people that true prophets are proven by the fulfillment of their prophecies. Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophecy, rooted in the Hebrew word for "word" (דָּבָר, ^davar^), which signifies the authoritative message from God. 3. The Breaking of the Yoke Hananiah physically breaks the wooden yoke from Jeremiah's neck, symbolizing his prophecy that God will break the yoke of Babylon. This act is symbolic and dramatic, yet it is based on falsehood. The Hebrew word for "yoke" (עֹל, ^ol^) is used metaphorically to represent subjugation and oppression. 4. The LORD's Word to Jeremiah After Hananiah's actions, the word of the LORD comes to Jeremiah, instructing him to tell Hananiah that he has replaced the wooden yoke with an iron yoke, signifying a stronger and more unbreakable bondage under Babylon. This underscores the seriousness of false prophecy and the unchangeable nature of God's true word. 5. Judgment on Hananiah Jeremiah delivers a message of judgment from the LORD to Hananiah, declaring that because he has led the people to trust in lies, he will die within the year. This prophecy is fulfilled, as Hananiah dies in the seventh month of that year. The Hebrew root for "lie" (שֶׁקֶר, ^sheker^) is crucial here, emphasizing the gravity of deceit in spiritual matters. Themes 1. False Prophecy Jeremiah 28 addresses the issue of false prophecy, as demonstrated by the actions of Hananiah. He falsely claims, "This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon’" (Jeremiah 28:2). The Hebrew root for "false" (שקר, sheker) emphasizes deception and untruth, highlighting the danger of misleading messages. 2. Divine Authority The chapter underscores the importance of divine authority in prophecy. Jeremiah responds to Hananiah by affirming the true word of the LORD, saying, "Amen! May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied" (Jeremiah 28:6). The Hebrew term for "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) signifies the covenantal and authoritative nature of God’s word. 3. Judgment and Consequences A theme of judgment and consequences is evident when Jeremiah warns Hananiah of the repercussions of his false prophecy: "Listen, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, but you have led this people to trust in a lie" (Jeremiah 28:15). The Hebrew word for "lie" (שקר, sheker) again emphasizes the gravity of leading others astray. 4. Prophetic Validation The chapter highlights the validation of true prophecy through fulfillment. Jeremiah states, "As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only when the word of the prophet comes to pass will the prophet be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD" (Jeremiah 28:9). This underscores the Hebrew concept of "peace" (שלום, shalom) as a sign of God’s true message. 5. Divine Sovereignty The theme of divine sovereignty is evident as God’s ultimate plan prevails despite human deception. Jeremiah declares, "I will remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the LORD" (Jeremiah 28:16). The Hebrew root for "rebellion" (מרד, marad) indicates defiance against God’s sovereign will. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize and reject false teachings. Ask God for the courage to stand firm in His truth, even when it is countercultural. Pray for spiritual leaders to remain faithful to God's Word and to lead with integrity and truth. Seek God's guidance in testing the spirits and ensuring that our beliefs align with His revealed Word. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Jeremiah 28:1–4, how can Hananiah’s prophecy of a short Babylonian captivity be trusted given the historical evidence of a much longer exile? 2. In Jeremiah 28:6–9, why did the people not reject Hananiah immediately if his prophecy contradicted Jeremiah and Deuteronomy 18:22 on false prophets? 3. In Jeremiah 28:10–13, why is there no archaeological evidence of the symbolic wooden and iron yokes Jeremiah mentions? 4. In Jeremiah 28:15–17, are there any historical records outside Scripture confirming Hananiah’s death within the same year, as Jeremiah foretells? 5. How do we reconcile Jeremiah’s condemnation of Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) with other biblical texts where God tolerates or uses unexpected prophets to deliver messages? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jeremiah 28 illustrate the challenge in distinguishing true prophecy from false prophecy? 2. In verses 5-9, why does Jeremiah respond to Hananiah's prophecy with cautious optimism? How can this be applied to the discernment of information today? 3. What significance does the symbolic yoke have in this chapter, and what does it represent? 4. What can we learn about God's character from the way He deals with Hananiah's false prophecy? 5. How does Jeremiah's prophecy against Hananiah emphasize the importance of truth in the face of comforting falsehoods? 6. Discuss the role of false prophecy in today's context. How can we ensure we are not led astray by misinformation? 7. How does Hananiah's death verify the true word of God? 8. How does this chapter challenge you to test the information you receive against the word of God? 9. How does Jeremiah 28 inspire you to have faith in God's plan, even when the outcome might seem harsh or difficult? 10. How might this chapter shape your understanding of prophecy and its role in spiritual life? 11. How can Jeremiah's prophetic integrity in this chapter serve as an example for Christians today? 12. How does Jeremiah's handling of the situation provide guidance for confronting false teaching in our society? 13. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah's confrontation with Hananiah to our lives in the context of discerning truth from falsehood? 14. What do you think motivated Hananiah to give a false prophecy? How can we guard ourselves against similar motivations? 15. How does the judgment of Hananiah impact your understanding of God's attitude towards those who mislead His people? 16. How does the fate of Hananiah underline the seriousness of speaking in God's name? 17. What can Jeremiah's actions teach us about dealing with opposition and deception in our own lives? 18. How does the faithfulness of Jeremiah inspire you in your walk with God? 19. How might the prophecy of the iron yoke apply to contemporary situations where oppression or hardship seem to persist? 20. How can you apply the teachings from this chapter to deepen your faith, especially in situations when God's plan seems harsh or difficult to understand? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions