Jeremiah 28:13

"Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: 'You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.'

Study Bible

Go and tell Hananiah
This directive is given to Jeremiah, the prophet, to confront Hananiah, a false prophet. Hananiah had previously contradicted Jeremiah's prophecies by claiming that the Babylonian yoke would be broken within two years. This confrontation highlights the role of true prophets in delivering God's messages, even when they are unpopular or confrontational. The name Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious," which is ironic given his false prophecies.

that this is what the LORD says:
The phrase underscores the authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a divine pronouncement. This emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophecy, which comes directly from God, as opposed to false prophecy, which originates from human desires or deceit.

‘You have broken a yoke of wood,
The yoke of wood symbolizes the temporary and lighter burden that Hananiah claimed would be removed from Judah. In ancient times, a yoke was a symbol of subjugation and servitude. Hananiah's breaking of the wooden yoke was a symbolic act meant to reassure the people of Judah that their oppression under Babylon would soon end.

but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’
The yoke of iron represents a much harsher and inescapable bondage. This imagery is used to convey the severity of the consequences of Hananiah's false prophecy. Iron, being stronger and more durable than wood, signifies the intensified oppression that Judah would face under Babylonian rule. This prophecy aligns with Deuteronomy 28:48, where a yoke of iron is mentioned as a curse for disobedience. The shift from wood to iron also serves as a warning about the dangers of false hope and the importance of adhering to God's true word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet of God who delivered messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his perseverance in delivering God's truth despite opposition.

2. Hananiah
A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah, claiming that God would break the yoke of Babylon and restore the exiles within two years. His message was contrary to God's true word.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to guide, correct, and instruct His people.

4. Wooden Yoke
Symbolizes the subjugation and servitude that Judah was to endure under Babylon as a consequence of their disobedience.

5. Iron Yoke
Represents a harsher, more unyielding form of bondage that would replace the wooden yoke due to Hananiah's false prophecy and the people's continued rebellion.

Teaching Points

The Danger of False Prophecy
False prophets, like Hananiah, can lead people astray with messages that appeal to their desires rather than God's truth. Discernment is crucial.

Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God's warnings can lead to harsher consequences. The shift from a wooden to an iron yoke illustrates the severity of continued rebellion.

The Importance of True Prophetic Voices
True prophets, like Jeremiah, often face opposition but remain steadfast in delivering God's message. We must value and heed true prophetic voices.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's plans will prevail despite human opposition. His justice ensures that falsehood is exposed and truth is upheld.

The Call to Repentance
Even in judgment, God offers opportunities for repentance. Recognizing and turning from falsehood can restore us to God's intended path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false teachings in today's world, similar to the situation with Jeremiah and Hananiah?

2. What are some modern "wooden yokes" that people might be tempted to break, only to find themselves under a "yoke of iron"?

3. How does the imagery of the yoke in Jeremiah 28:13 relate to Jesus' teaching about His yoke in Matthew 11:28-30?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we are listening to and following true prophetic voices in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when ignoring a warning led to more severe consequences. How can this experience guide your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
Discusses blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, including the imagery of a yoke, which connects to the consequences faced by Judah.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus speaks of His yoke being easy and His burden light, contrasting the heavy yoke of sin and false teachings.

Acts 15:10
The early church discusses the yoke of the law, emphasizing freedom in Christ rather than bondage to legalism.