Jeremiah 28:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 28:15
15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, love. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 28:15
15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
Analysis
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie (שְׁמַע־נָא חֲנַנְיָה לֹא־שְׁלָחֲךָ יְהוָה וְאַתָּה הִבְטַחְתָּ אֶת־הָעָם הַזֶּה עַל־שָׁקֶר, sh'ma-na chananyah lo-sh'lachakha YHWH v'attah hivtachta et-ha'am hazzeh al-shaqer)—the direct accusation is devastating: The LORD hath not sent thee (לֹא־שְׁלָחֲךָ יְהוָה). The verb שָׁלַח (shalach, 'send') was fundamental to prophetic authority. Hananiah claimed divine commission; Jeremiah exposes him as unauthorized. Worse, thou makest this people to trust in a lie (הִבְטַחְתָּ...עַל־שָׁקֶר, hivtachta...al-shaqer)—the verb בָּטַח (batach, 'trust') indicates misplaced confidence. Hananiah didn't merely err; he actively caused others to trust falsehood (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer).
The indictment distinguishes individual error from leading others astray. Teachers bear greater accountability (James 3:1) because their lies multiply through followers. Hananiah's false prophecy didn't just affect him; it encouraged national rebellion against Babylon, bringing catastrophic consequences. False teachers don't merely believe wrongly; they propagate destructive trust in lies, making others spiritual casualties. This explains severe judgment in verse 16.
Historical Context
Hananiah's false prophecy likely influenced Zedekiah's eventual rebellion against Babylon (589 BC), contributing to Jerusalem's destruction. False prophets created political pressure for nationalist policies that proved suicidal. Jeremiah's opposition to court prophets made him appear treasonous, though he sought Judah's true welfare. The conflict between prophetic factions wasn't merely theological but had devastating political consequences.
Reflection
- How does teaching falsehood make you accountable for others' misplaced trust?
- What distinguishes personal theological error from publicly leading others into lies?
- In what ways might false teaching today create catastrophic consequences beyond mere incorrect belief?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:21, 27:15, 28:11, 1 Kings 22:23, Lamentations 2:14, Ezekiel 22:28
- References Lord: Jeremiah 29:23
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 20:6, Ezekiel 13:22