Hananiah, son of Azzur, is a biblical figure prominently featured in the Book of Jeremiah. He is identified as a prophet from Gibeon, a city in the territory of Benjamin, which was historically significant as a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Joshua 21:17). Hananiah's narrative is primarily found in Jeremiah 28, where he is depicted as a false prophet who opposed the prophet Jeremiah during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah.

Historical Context

The events involving Hananiah occur during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, around 594 B.C., when the kingdom was under the threat of Babylonian domination. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had already exiled some of the Judean elite, including King Jehoiachin, and placed Zedekiah on the throne as a vassal king. Jeremiah, a true prophet of the LORD, had been warning the people of Judah about the impending complete destruction and exile due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry.

Conflict with Jeremiah

In Jeremiah 28, Hananiah directly challenges Jeremiah's prophecies of doom. He boldly proclaims in the temple, in the presence of the priests and all the people, that the LORD has broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Hananiah asserts that within two years, the exiles, including King Jehoiachin, and the sacred articles taken from the temple will be returned to Jerusalem (Jeremiah 28:2-4):

“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years I will restore to this place all the articles of the LORD’s house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. And I will restore to this place Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,’ declares the LORD, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’”

Jeremiah responds to Hananiah's prophecy with skepticism, acknowledging the desire for peace but reminding the people that true prophets are known by the fulfillment of their prophecies (Jeremiah 28:6-9). In a dramatic act, Hananiah takes the yoke off Jeremiah's neck, which Jeremiah had been using as a symbol of submission to Babylon, and breaks it, symbolizing his prophecy of liberation.

Divine Judgment

The LORD then speaks to Jeremiah, instructing him to confront Hananiah with a message of judgment. Jeremiah tells Hananiah that he has replaced the wooden yoke with an iron yoke, signifying an even harsher subjugation under Babylon (Jeremiah 28:13-14):

“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put an iron yoke on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’”

Jeremiah further declares that Hananiah has led the people to trust in lies and that the LORD has not sent him. As a consequence of his false prophecy, Hananiah is told he will die within the year. True to Jeremiah's word, Hananiah dies in the seventh month of that same year (Jeremiah 28:15-17).

Theological Significance

Hananiah's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and the importance of discerning true messages from God. His opposition to Jeremiah highlights the tension between human desires for peace and prosperity and the divine reality of judgment due to sin. Hananiah's fate underscores the seriousness with which God views the role of a prophet and the responsibility to speak truthfully on His behalf.