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Jeremiah 28

17 verses

TL;DR

In Jeremiah 28, the false prophet Hananiah falsely proclaims that the Babylonian yoke will be lifted in two years, leading Jeremiah to challenge him and the Lord condemns Hananiah's lies, resulting in his death.

Summary

Jeremiah 28 records a confrontation between Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah. Hananiah claims that the Lord will free Judah from Babylon’s oppression in two years, restoring temple vessels and the king Jeconiah. Jeremiah affirms the promise but warns that true deliverance will come only when the prophet speaks of peace. Hananiah, after breaking Jeremiah’s symbolic yoke, speaks again, claiming the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar will be removed from all nations. God commands Jeremiah to rebuke Hananiah, stating he will bring an iron yoke that will bind people forever. Jeremiah delivers this rebuke, warning Hananiah that he has deceived the people. The Lord proclaims that Hananiah will die that year, and indeed he dies in the seventh month.

Outline
  1. Hananiah’s false prophecy of liberation
  2. Jeremiah’s rebuttal and warning
  3. God’s judgment on Hananiah
Themes
false prophecy vs true prophecyfaithful obedience vs deceptiondivine judgment
Keywords
prophecyyokedeliverancerevoltjudgment
People
JeremiahHananiah (son of Azur)ZedekiahNebuchadnezzarJeconiah
Places
JudahGibeonBabylon
Things
yoketemple vesselsiron yokestone of the altar
Key Verses
  • Jeremiah 28:3: Hananiah’s declaration of deliverance in two years
  • Jeremiah 28:6: Jeremiah’s affirmation of the promise
  • Jeremiah 28:10: Hananiah’s symbolic breaking of Jeremiah’s yoke
  • Jeremiah 28:13: God’s command to Jeremiah to rebuke Hananiah
  • Jeremiah 28:15: Jeremiah’s accusation that Hananiah deceives the people
  • Jeremiah 28:16: God’s decree of Hananiah’s death
Questions
  • What distinguishes a true prophet’s message from a false one in this chapter?
  • How does Jeremiah respond to Hananiah’s challenge?
  • What does the iron yoke symbolize?
  • What is the significance of the prophetic warning about peace?
  • Why does the Lord condemn Hananiah’s deception?
Sentiment

negative
The chapter condemns false prophecy and predicts judgment against Hananiah.