Introduction
Zedekiah was put on the throne of Judah as a puppet king by Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar then was distracted by problems in other parts of his empire. This seemed like a good time for Judah and surrounding nations to rebel against Babylon.
In chapter 27, Jeremiah prophesied exile and captivity wearing a wooden yoke to demonstrate God’s word. Hananiah, however, prophesied return and restoration. They both spoke in the name of the Lord, but which would prove to be right?
Hananiah’s Deceit, vv. 1-9
A. Hananiah means “Jehovah has been gracious.”
B. Hananiah prophesies Judah’s return and restoration within two years, vv. 1-4.
C. Jeremiah’s response:
1. “Amen.” Jeremiah did not affirm Hananiah’s prophecy, but declares his wish that it were true, v. 6.
2. “Time will tell.” Whichever prophecy comes true will reveal which prophet was right and which was false, v. 9.
Hananiah’s Defiance, vv. 10-11
A. Hananiah takes Jeremiah’s yoke and breaks it, v. 10.
B. Hananiah prophesies that God will break Babylon’s yoke on Judah just as he had broken Jeremiah’s yoke, v. 11.
C. Jeremiah walks way, v. 11.
Hananiah’s Doom, vv. 12-17
A. God sends Jeremiah to Hananiah with a message:
1. “You broke a wooden yoke, but you have made a yoke of iron in its place,” v. 13.
“The people, having rejected the wooden yoke of submission laid upon them for their sins, would find the indestructible iron yoke of servitude infinitely more uncomfortable.” (Arthur E. Cundall)
2. “God did not send you. You made the people believe a lie!” v. 15.
3. “You will die before the year is out,” v. 16.
B. Hananiah died two months later, v. 17.
Conclusion
It is a dangerous thing to preach a nationalist message in place of God’s Word.