Jeremiah 28:15

Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, "Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie.

Study Bible

Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah
Jeremiah, a major prophet in the Old Testament, is known for his messages of warning and judgment to Judah. Here, he addresses Hananiah, a false prophet. This encounter occurs during a time of political turmoil, as Judah is under threat from Babylon. The title "prophet" is used for both men, highlighting the conflict between true and false prophecy. Jeremiah's role as a true prophet is established in earlier chapters, where he is called by God to deliver messages of repentance and impending judgment.

“Listen, Hananiah!
Jeremiah's command to "listen" underscores the seriousness of the message he is about to deliver. It is a call for attention and a rebuke, indicating that Hananiah has been speaking without divine authority. This confrontation is a pivotal moment, as it challenges the false assurances Hananiah has given to the people of Judah. The use of Hananiah's name personalizes the rebuke, emphasizing the directness and urgency of Jeremiah's message.

The LORD did not send you,
This phrase is a direct accusation against Hananiah, asserting that his prophecies are not from God. In the biblical context, a true prophet is one who is sent by God and speaks His words. Jeremiah's declaration exposes Hananiah as a false prophet, which is a serious charge, as it implies leading the people away from God's truth. This aligns with Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which outlines the criteria for true and false prophets.

but you have persuaded this people
Hananiah's influence over the people is highlighted here. Despite not being sent by God, he has managed to convince the people of Judah to believe his message. This reflects the danger of false prophecy and the ease with which people can be led astray. The cultural context of the time shows a nation desperate for hope and deliverance, making them susceptible to Hananiah's optimistic but false promises.

to trust in a lie.
The "lie" refers to Hananiah's false prophecy that the Babylonian yoke would be broken and the exiles would return soon. This false hope contradicted God's true message delivered through Jeremiah, which warned of a prolonged exile. Trusting in a lie leads to misplaced hope and eventual disappointment. This theme of false security is echoed in other scriptures, such as Ezekiel 13:6-7, where false prophets are condemned for leading people astray. Theologically, this serves as a warning against deviating from God's truth and the importance of discernment in spiritual matters.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his messages of warning and calls for repentance to the people of Judah. He is often referred to as the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the people's disobedience and the impending judgment.

2. Hananiah
A false prophet who opposed Jeremiah. He falsely prophesied that the Babylonian captivity would end within two years, contradicting Jeremiah's message from God.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who is the ultimate authority and source of true prophecy. In this context, He is the one who has not sent Hananiah, highlighting the seriousness of false prophecy.

4. The People of Judah
The audience of both Jeremiah and Hananiah's prophecies. They were in a state of political and spiritual turmoil, facing the threat of Babylonian conquest.

5. Babylonian Captivity
A significant event in Jewish history where the people of Judah were exiled to Babylon. This was a period of judgment and reflection for the nation.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Prophecy
Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating messages claimed to be from God. Not all who speak in God's name are sent by Him.

The Danger of False Assurance
False prophets offer a false sense of security, leading people away from genuine repentance and obedience to God.

The Importance of Truth
Trusting in lies can have devastating consequences. It is crucial to seek and adhere to the truth of God's Word.

Accountability for Leaders
Those who claim to speak for God bear a heavy responsibility. Misleading others in God's name is a serious offense.

The Role of Suffering and Judgment
Sometimes, God's plans involve hardship and discipline, which are necessary for growth and repentance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we discern between true and false messages that claim to be from God in today's context?

2. In what ways might we be tempted to trust in comforting lies rather than difficult truths? How can we guard against this?

3. How does the account of Hananiah and Jeremiah challenge us to evaluate the messages we hear from spiritual leaders?

4. What are some modern examples of false assurances that might lead people away from genuine faith and repentance?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 28:15 to ensure we are living in alignment with God's truth, even when it is challenging?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:20-22
This passage outlines the criteria for true and false prophets, emphasizing that a prophet who speaks presumptuously in God's name is not sent by God. This connects to Jeremiah's rebuke of Hananiah.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing. This New Testament teaching echoes the situation in Jeremiah 28, where discernment is necessary to identify true from false prophecy.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul warns that people will gather teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear, similar to how the people of Judah were misled by Hananiah's comforting but false message.