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?

Historical and Cultural Background

During the ministry of Jeremiah, Jerusalem was in turmoil under the threat of Babylonian invasion. The Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar, had already carried away some of the exiles—among them the young Daniel (Daniel 1:1–6)—and left Judah dangerously weakened. Many in Judah still hoped for speedy deliverance, and false assurances were readily embraced. Excavations in Babylon (such as those referenced in the Babylonian Chronicles) corroborate the historicity of Nebuchadnezzar’s campaigns. The context of anxiety and unrest in Jerusalem created fertile ground for conflicting prophetic messages.

In this charged environment, Jeremiah continually warned of coming judgment and a prolonged exile (Jeremiah 25:11). At the same time, certain prophets—among them Hananiah—insisted that deliverance was near. This clash of messages reached a climax in Jeremiah 28, where Hananiah boldly predicted that the captivity would soon end, directly contradicting Jeremiah’s warning of a seventy-year exile (Jeremiah 25:11).

Jeremiah 28:6–9: The Text in Focus

“Then the prophet Jeremiah said, ‘Amen! May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied to bring back the articles of the house of the LORD and all the exiles from Babylon to this place. Nevertheless, listen now to the word I am speaking in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, disaster, and plague against many lands and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only when the word of that prophet comes to pass will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent.’” (Jeremiah 28:6–9)

In these verses, Jeremiah longs for peace but stresses that predictions of peace can only be confirmed if they actually come to pass. Though he appears to commend Hananiah by saying “Amen!” Jeremiah is using a rhetorical device—expressing that he, too, would prefer a swift restoration, yet pointing out that God’s true message must align with historical prophecy and must be proven true.

Why Hananiah’s Prophecy Was Appealing

1.

People’s Desire for Good News:

In the midst of war and suffering, promises of deliverance were highly attractive. Hananiah told the populace exactly what they wanted to hear—that the yoke of Babylon would be broken soon (Jeremiah 28:2). The human tendency to cling to hopeful messages in times of distress helps explain why his words were not instantly dismissed.

2.

Confusion Over Prophetic Timetables:

Because Jeremiah spoke of a seventy-year exile (Jeremiah 25:11), some might have wondered whether God would shorten or modify that timeline. Hananiah’s claim that deliverance was nearer gave people a comforting possibility, causing hesitation before rejecting him outright.

3.

Historical Precedents of Sudden Deliverance:

Earlier in Judah’s history, God had delivered the nation miraculously, such as when the Assyrians were turned back (2 Kings 19:35–36). Those familiar with previous victories might have reasoned that God’s miraculous intervention could happen again. This contributed to an atmosphere where a “prophecy of peace” could initially seem plausible.

The Role of Deuteronomy 18:22

Deuteronomy 18:22 states, “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” The standard for testing a prophet, therefore, was the eventual fulfillment of his words. However, there is an inherent element of time required to observe whether a prophecy is fulfilled or not.

Hananiah’s prophecy, which promised a rapid return of all exiles and temple vessels (Jeremiah 28:3–4), did not get disqualified from the people’s perspective instantly because its falsity would only become indisputable when reality proved otherwise. Jeremiah understood the Deuteronomic requirement. That is why he reminded everyone that words of peace must stand the test of time: “Only when the word of that prophet comes to pass will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent” (Jeremiah 28:9).

Why The People Did Not Reject Hananiah Immediately

1.

Prophetic Competition and Social Pressure:

Jeremiah was a voice of doom from the people’s vantage point. Hananiah brought a favorable message. In the ancient Near East, prophets were often influential in shaping public morale and policy. The crowd in Jerusalem may have been swayed by a collective mindset; it was easier to rally around optimism than to face the grim reality of prolonged exile.

2.

Lack of Immediate Evidence:

Hananiah’s prophecy predicted swift events (the return of temple articles and exiles within two years). Because the outcome was yet to be tested by time, the people could not conclusively label him false until the specified period lapsed. Deuteronomy 18:22 demands that the prophecy fail before ostracizing the prophet.

3.

Respect for Apparent Earnestness:

Hananiah presented himself zealously, proclaiming his message “in the presence of the priests and all the people” (Jeremiah 28:1). Public declarations in the temple precincts carried weight, and many may have hesitated to pronounce him a liar without absolute proof. Also, in the cultural context of respect for priestly and prophetic figures, individuals would be slow to condemn someone who appeared to speak for God.

4.

Widespread Spiritual Blindness:

The Scriptures also reveal that, at this time, much of Judah was trapped in idolatry and disobedience. A spiritually compromised people are more vulnerable to false claims (Jeremiah 5:31). Their inclination to reject Jeremiah—who consistently confronted their sins—meant they would be more willing to embrace any word that promised freedom without repentance.

Confirmation and Consequences

Ultimately, Hananiah’s prophecy did not come to pass. Jeremiah openly confronted Hananiah, declaring that his false prophecy would bring about his own death (Jeremiah 28:15–16). Indeed, Hananiah died within the same year (Jeremiah 28:17), serving as a direct demonstration of whose message was truly from God.

Archaeological and historical records (including Babylonian and Persian-era documents) confirm that the captivity indeed continued for many more decades, aligning with Jeremiah’s word rather than Hananiah’s. This vindicates the Deuteronomic principle that a genuine prophet’s words must correspond exactly with historical reality.

Lessons Drawn from the Passage

1.

The Importance of Waiting on Fulfillment:

Deuteronomy 18 sets a high bar for discerning true prophets. Assuming someone is false too quickly or true too readily can lead to confusion. Patience and alignment with God’s previously revealed Word remain key.

2.

Discernment vs. Popular Opinion:

Jeremiah’s experience shows that majority acceptance does not validate a message. Truth is found in what aligns with prior Scripture and proves out in history.

3.

God’s Consistency Throughout Scripture:

The account underscores a repeated biblical theme: when God proclaims judgment, it must run its course, yet those who repent are offered grace. The consistency between Jeremiah’s writings, Deuteronomy’s commands, and historical evidence reinforces the reliability of Scripture.

Conclusion

In Jeremiah 28:6–9, the people’s failure to reject Hananiah immediately can be traced to their desperate hope for good news, confusion about how and when to apply Deuteronomy 18:22, and the fact that a prophecy must be tested by time before being deemed false. Social pressure, religious protocol, and widespread spiritual blindness further contributed to their reluctance. Ultimately, time vindicated Jeremiah’s message, proving Hananiah a false prophet and confirming the Torah’s standard that the test of a prophet lies in the fulfillment of his words.