1 And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,
2 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:
4 And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the LORD: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.
5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said unto the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people that stood in the house of the LORD,
6 Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD's house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.
7 Nevertheless hear thou now this word that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people;
8 The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.
9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.
10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it.
11 And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
12 Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
14 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.
15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.
17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.
The 28th chapter of the Book of Jeremiah in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is one of the most intriguing and significant chapters in the entire book. It presents a dramatic confrontation between the prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah, and it is a chapter that underscores the importance of authentic prophecy and the dangers of false prophecy. This chapter also provides a glimpse into the socio-political context in which the biblical prophets operated, as well as the spiritual and moral challenges they faced.
Jeremiah 28 begins with the false prophet Hananiah publicly challenging Jeremiah's prophecy of doom for Judah and Jerusalem. Hananiah, in the presence of the priests and all the people, prophesies that God will break the yoke of the King of Babylon within two years and that the sacred vessels of the temple, which had been taken by Babylon, will be returned. This prophecy directly contradicts Jeremiah's earlier prophecy that Judah would serve the King of Babylon for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11).
In response to Hananiah's prophecy, Jeremiah initially remains silent. He then speaks, pointing out that prophets of old also prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. However, he adds that the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as truly sent by the Lord only if his prophecy comes true. This is an important point in understanding the biblical view of prophecy. Authentic prophecy, according to Jeremiah, is not validated by popular acceptance or wishful thinking, but by the fulfillment of the prophesied events.
The chapter also presents an interesting use of symbolism. Earlier in Jeremiah 27, Jeremiah had walked around with a yoke around his neck, symbolizing the yoke of Babylon that God had placed on the nations. In this chapter, Hananiah takes the yoke from Jeremiah's neck and breaks it, symbolizing his prophecy that God will break the yoke of Babylon. However, Jeremiah then prophesies that Hananiah's act of breaking the wooden yoke will result in God making a yoke of iron. This symbolizes that the oppression of Babylon will not be easily broken, but will become even more burdensome.
The chapter ends with a dramatic prediction by Jeremiah about Hananiah's fate. Jeremiah prophesies that Hananiah will die within the year because he has taught rebellion against the Lord. This prophecy comes true, as Hananiah dies two months later. This event serves to validate Jeremiah's prophetic authority and to demonstrate the serious consequences of false prophecy. It also underscores the biblical view that God is not only a God of mercy and compassion, but also a God of justice and judgment.
Jeremiah 28 is not just a historical narrative about a confrontation between two prophets. It is a chapter that carries profound spiritual and moral lessons. First, it underscores the importance of authentic prophecy. In an age where false prophets were common, the chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of false prophecy and the serious consequences that can result from it. False prophets, according to this chapter, are not only those who prophesy lies, but also those who teach rebellion against God's commands.
Second, the chapter also highlights the importance of discernment. Jeremiah's response to Hananiah's prophecy demonstrates the need to test prophecies against the word of God and to wait for their fulfillment. This is a relevant lesson for all times, as believers are often faced with various doctrines and teachings that claim to be from God.
Third, the chapter underscores the sovereignty and justice of God. Despite Hananiah's prophecy of peace, the yoke of Babylon remains, symbolizing that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human wishes or predictions. Also, Hananiah's death serves as a stark reminder of God's justice and the seriousness with which He regards false prophecy.
In conclusion, Jeremiah 28 is a chapter that provides valuable insights into the nature of prophecy, the importance of discernment, and the sovereignty and justice of God. It is a chapter that challenges us to remain faithful to God's word, to be discerning in what we accept as truth, and to trust in God's plans and His justice.
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