Jeremiah 28

Chapter Summary

In Jeremiah 28, Hananiah, a false prophet, prophesies that within two years the Lord will break the yoke of the king of Babylon and restore the temple vessels and all the captives to Jerusalem. Jeremiah, however, warns that this is a false prophecy and that the yoke of the king of Babylon will not be broken. Hananiah then breaks the yoke off Jeremiah's neck, symbolizing the supposed breaking of the yoke of Babylon, but Jeremiah responds by prophesying that Hananiah will die within the year for his false prophecy. This chapter emphasizes the importance of discerning between true and false prophets and the consequences of spreading false messages in the name of the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah 28:1-17.

Context for the Chapter

Jeremiah 28 is set during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, a time when the Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was dominating the region. The chapter is part of a larger narrative in the book of Jeremiah that deals with the prophet's call to warn Judah of impending judgment due to their sins, and the resistance he faces from false prophets and the political leaders of his time. This context is crucial for understanding the urgency and the content of Jeremiah's prophecies, as well as the significance of the confrontation with Hananiah.

Heart Application

This chapter applies to our hearts by reminding us to be discerning in what we believe and who we follow. It encourages us to test all things against the word of God and to be cautious of false teachings that may lead us astray. Furthermore, it calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when circumstances seem dire, and to remain faithful to His true messengers and their messages.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Jeremiah 28 teaches us about the importance of listening to true prophets and not false ones. A true prophet's words come true, but a false prophet's words do not. This is seen in the example of Jeremiah and Hananiah, where Jeremiah's prophecies are proven true, and Hananiah's are false, as in Jeremiah 28:1-17. We should always test what people say against what God says in the Bible.

Voices from the Church

“A true prophet is known by the truth of his prophecies, and a false one by the falsehood of his.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“It is a grievous evil when men, pretending to be prophets, scatter the people of God, and lead them away from the path of salvation.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the False Prophecy (Jeremiah 28:1-4) — Hananiah prophesies the return of the captives and the restoration of the temple vessels within two years, symbolizing the breaking of the yoke of Babylon.
2. Jeremiah's Response (Jeremiah 28:5-9) — Jeremiah warns that Hananiah's prophecy is false and that the yoke of Babylon will not be broken, emphasizing the criterion for true prophecy.
3. The Sign of the Broken Yoke (Jeremiah 28:10-11) — Hananiah breaks the yoke off Jeremiah's neck, but Jeremiah prophesies that Hananiah will die for his false prophecy, demonstrating God's judgment on false prophets.
4. The Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy (Jeremiah 28:12-17) — Jeremiah's prophecy about Hananiah's death is fulfilled, proving Jeremiah to be a true prophet of God and underscoring the importance of trusting in God's true messengers.
5. Conclusion (Jeremiah 28:12-17) — The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy against Hananiah, reinforcing the theme of discerning between true and false prophets and the consequences of spreading false messages in the name of the Lord.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Prophecy

This chapter teaches that true prophecy is characterized by its fulfillment and that God holds prophets accountable for the messages they deliver in His name.

The Authority of Scripture

The criterion for testing prophecies, as mentioned in Jeremiah 28:9, points to the authority of God's word as the standard by which all messages are to be evaluated.

God's Sovereignty

The events of Jeremiah 28 demonstrate God's sovereignty over all things, including the actions of false prophets and the fulfillment of true prophecies.

Discernment

The chapter emphasizes the need for discernment in spiritual matters, encouraging believers to carefully evaluate the messages they receive and to trust in God's true messengers.

Lessons from Jeremiah 28

1. The Importance of Discernment — This chapter teaches us to be careful and discerning in what we believe and who we follow, always testing messages against the word of God.
2. The Consequences of False Prophecy — The fate of Hananiah serves as a warning to those who would spread false messages in the name of the Lord, emphasizing the seriousness of prophesying falsely.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The events in Jeremiah 28 demonstrate God's control over all things, including the actions of individuals and the fulfillment of prophecies.
4. The Criterion for True Prophecy — The chapter provides a clear criterion for distinguishing between true and false prophets, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies as the ultimate test of a prophet's authenticity.
5. Faithfulness to God's Word — Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to God's message, despite opposition, is a lesson in faithfulness and the importance of standing firm on the word of God.

Themes from Jeremiah 28

1. The Theme of Prophecy — This chapter explores the theme of prophecy, focusing on the distinction between true and false prophets and the consequences of each.
2. The Theme of Sovereignty — The sovereignty of God is a dominant theme, as the chapter demonstrates God's control over the actions of prophets and the fulfillment of prophecies.
3. The Theme of Discernment — The need for discernment is emphasized, encouraging readers to carefully evaluate spiritual messages and to trust in God's true messengers.
4. The Theme of Faithfulness — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's word, even in the face of opposition and adversity.
5. The Theme of Judgment — The judgment of God on false prophets and those who reject His true messengers is a significant theme, underscoring the seriousness of spiritual deception and rebellion.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways we can discern between true and false prophets today?
2. How does Jeremiah 28:9 apply to our understanding of prophecy and the evaluation of spiritual messages?
3. What does the confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah teach us about the importance of standing firm on God's word, even in the face of opposition?
4. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Jeremiah 28 to our personal lives and our communities of faith?
5. How does the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy against Hananiah demonstrate God's justice and sovereignty?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Jeremiah 28

	Sermon	Description
	Touch Not Mine Anointed by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Jewish Midrash and how it relates to the preaching of the word of God. The speaker explains that in the body of Christ, differe
	(The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape
	This Very Year You Are Going to Die! by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon at Princeton College in 1761, warning the audience about the certainty and unpredictability of death. He emphasizes the need for serious re
	Rejection of Christ—a Common, and Most Unreasonable Iniquity by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the common sin of rejecting Jesus Christ, emphasizing the unsuitable reception of Christ and the gospel, which often hides under a cloak of religion. H
	The Sin, Danger, and Unreasonableness of Despair. by Edward Payson	Edward Payson preaches about the dangers of falling into the traps of the great deceiver, who lulls people into false security or drives them to despair. He emphasizes the sinful,
	This Year You Shall Die by Robert Hawker	Robert Hawker preaches a powerful sermon on the certainty of death, using Jeremiah 28:16 as a reminder that death is inevitable and could come at any time. He challenges the listen

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Jeremiah 28

Matthew Henry's commentary on Jeremiah 28 highlights the stark contrast between the messages of Jeremiah and Hananiah, emphasizing the importance of discernment in spiritual matters. Henry notes that Hananiah's prophecy, though appealing, is false and dangerous, leading people away from the path of salvation. He commends Jeremiah's faithfulness to God's word, despite opposition, and sees in Hananiah's punishment a demonstration of God's justice and sovereignty. The commentary encourages readers to stand firm on God's word, to test all prophecies by their fulfillment, and to beware of false prophets who would lead them astray, applying these lessons to the broader context of the Christian life and the importance of trusting in God's true messengers. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?