Jeremiah 28:1

In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, near the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people:

Study Bible

In the fifth month of that same year
The fifth month in the Hebrew calendar corresponds to the month of Av, which typically falls around July or August in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant as it often marks a period of mourning and reflection for the Jewish people, particularly due to the destruction of the First and Second Temples, which both occurred in this month. The context of mourning and reflection may underscore the gravity of the prophetic messages being delivered.

the fourth year
The fourth year refers to the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign, which would be around 593 BC. This period was marked by political instability and pressure from Babylon, as Zedekiah was a vassal king under Nebuchadnezzar. The fourth year is significant because it was a time when false hopes of liberation from Babylonian control were prevalent among the people of Judah.

near the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah
Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign began in 597 BC after the deportation of King Jehoiachin. Zedekiah's reign was characterized by political turmoil and rebellion against Babylonian rule, which ultimately led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Understanding Zedekiah's reign provides insight into the desperate and rebellious spirit of the time, which often led to false prophecies and misguided hopes.

the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur
Hananiah is introduced as a prophet, but his message is later revealed to be false. His lineage, being the son of Azzur, is mentioned to establish his identity and possibly his credibility among the people. Hananiah's role as a false prophet is crucial in understanding the conflict between true and false prophecy during this period, as Jeremiah's true prophecies often contradicted the more optimistic messages of prophets like Hananiah.

who was from Gibeon
Gibeon was a significant city located northwest of Jerusalem. It was known for its historical and religious importance, including being a Levitical city and a site where the tabernacle was located for a time. The mention of Gibeon may imply that Hananiah had a religious background or influence, which could have lent him credibility in the eyes of the people.

said to me in the house of the LORD
The house of the LORD refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and religious authority for the people of Judah. Delivering a prophecy in the temple would have given it an air of authority and divine sanction. This setting highlights the seriousness of the prophetic confrontation between Hananiah and Jeremiah.

in the presence of the priests and all the people
The presence of the priests and all the people indicates that this was a public declaration, meant to influence and sway the opinion of the religious leaders and the general populace. The public nature of the prophecy underscores the tension between true and false prophecy, as well as the responsibility of the priests and people to discern the truth. This setting also reflects the communal aspect of worship and decision-making in ancient Judah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zedekiah, King of Judah
The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability and spiritual decline. His reign is a backdrop for the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah.

2. Hananiah, Son of Azzur
A prophet from Gibeon who opposed Jeremiah's message. Hananiah is known for delivering a false prophecy of peace, contradicting Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment.

3. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance. He often faced opposition from false prophets like Hananiah.

4. Gibeon
A city in ancient Israel, known for its historical and religious significance. It was a Levitical city and a place where significant biblical events occurred.

5. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and prophecy in ancient Israel. It was a place where prophets often delivered their messages.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating prophetic messages, ensuring they align with Scripture and are fulfilled as promised.

The Danger of False Assurance
Hananiah's false prophecy of peace serves as a warning against messages that offer comfort without repentance or alignment with God's will.

Faithfulness in Opposition
Jeremiah's steadfastness in delivering God's message, despite opposition, encourages believers to remain faithful to God's truth even when it is unpopular.

The Role of the Church
The setting in the house of the LORD highlights the importance of the church as a place for truth and accountability in teaching and prophecy.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical context of biblical events can provide valuable lessons for contemporary faith and practice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of Zedekiah's reign influence our understanding of Jeremiah's and Hananiah's prophecies?

2. In what ways can we apply the criteria for true and false prophets from Deuteronomy 18:20-22 to modern-day teachings and prophecies?

3. How can we cultivate discernment in our spiritual lives to recognize messages that align with God's truth?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeremiah's faithfulness in the face of opposition, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

5. How does the setting of the house of the LORD in this passage inform our understanding of the role of the church in teaching and accountability?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 27
This chapter provides context for Jeremiah 28, where Jeremiah warns of the Babylonian captivity and urges submission to Nebuchadnezzar. Hananiah's prophecy directly contradicts this message.

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
These verses outline the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning the truth of a prophet's message based on its fulfillment.

2 Kings 24-25
These chapters detail the historical context of Zedekiah's reign and the eventual fall of Jerusalem, confirming Jeremiah's prophecies.