Jeremiah 28:9

As 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."

Study Bible

As for the prophet
The term "prophet" in Hebrew is "navi," which refers to someone who is called by God to speak His words to the people. In the context of ancient Israel, prophets were often seen as intermediaries between God and His people, delivering messages of warning, instruction, or encouragement. The role of a prophet was crucial, especially during times of crisis or moral decline, as they were tasked with guiding the nation back to God's covenant.

who prophesies peace
The Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a state of completeness, welfare, and harmony. In Jeremiah's time, false prophets often proclaimed messages of peace to gain favor with the people and the ruling authorities, despite the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. This phrase highlights the tension between true and false prophecy, as true peace can only come from alignment with God's will.

only when the word of the prophet comes to pass
This phrase underscores the biblical test of a true prophet: the fulfillment of their prophecy. In Deuteronomy 18:21-22, it is stated that if a prophet's prediction does not come true, they are not sent by God. This criterion served as a safeguard for the Israelites against deception and emphasized the importance of discernment in spiritual matters.

will the prophet be recognized
Recognition here implies acknowledgment and validation by the community. In ancient Israel, a prophet's credibility was essential for their message to be taken seriously. This recognition was not just about personal reputation but about affirming the divine origin of their message, which carried implications for the community's response and obedience.

as one whom the LORD has truly sent
The phrase "whom the LORD has truly sent" emphasizes divine commissioning. The Hebrew word for "sent" is "shalach," which conveys the idea of being dispatched with authority and purpose. This highlights the sovereignty of God in choosing and sending His messengers. It also serves as a reminder that true prophets are not self-appointed but are divinely appointed to fulfill God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah. He is often called 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, claiming that God would soon break the yoke of Babylon and restore the vessels of the Lord's house and the exiles within two years. His message contradicted Jeremiah's prophecy of a longer exile.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing the threat of Babylonian conquest during Jeremiah's ministry. The people of Judah were often caught between listening to true prophets like Jeremiah and false prophets like Hananiah.

4. Babylon
The empire that conquered Judah and Jerusalem, leading to the exile of many Israelites. Babylon serves as a backdrop for the prophecies of both Jeremiah and Hananiah.

5. Prophecy
The act of delivering messages from God, often concerning future events. In this context, the validity of a prophet's message is tested by its fulfillment.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating prophetic messages. Not all who claim to speak for God are truly sent by Him. The fulfillment of prophecy is a key indicator of its divine origin.

The Role of Patience
Patience is essential when waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises. Immediate results are not always a sign of true prophecy. Trust in God's timing is crucial.

The Danger of False Assurance
False prophets often offer messages of peace and comfort that contradict God's true warnings. Believers should be wary of teachings that promise peace without repentance and obedience.

The Importance of Testing
Testing prophetic messages against Scripture and their eventual fulfillment is vital. This ensures that believers are not led astray by false teachings.

Faithfulness to God's Word
True prophets, like Jeremiah, remain faithful to God's word even when it is unpopular or difficult. Believers are called to uphold the truth of Scripture, regardless of societal pressures.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we apply the test of prophecy from Jeremiah 28:9 in our lives today when evaluating modern-day teachings and prophecies?

2. In what ways can we cultivate discernment to recognize false prophets, as instructed in Matthew 7:15-20?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the Bible strengthen our faith in God's promises?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not swayed by messages of false assurance?

5. How can we remain faithful to God's word like Jeremiah, especially when faced with opposition or unpopular truths?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
This passage provides a test for true prophecy, stating that if a prophet's prediction does not come to pass, it is not a message from the Lord. This is directly related to the test of a prophet's authenticity in Jeremiah 28:9.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets and teaches that they can be recognized by their fruits. This connects to the idea that true prophecy will be validated by its fulfillment.

1 John 4:1
This verse encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world. It echoes the need for discernment in evaluating prophetic messages.