Jeremiah Chapter 28 recounts the conflict between the prophet Jeremiah and a false prophet named Hananiah during the reign of King Zedekiah (597-586 BC). The chapter begins with Hananiah boldly claiming that within two years, God would break the power of Babylon and return the exiled people and the temple vessels to Jerusalem. Jeremiah, who had been wearing a wooden yoke on his neck as a symbolic representation of the years of Babylonian domination, is confronted by Hananiah’s optimistic declaration. Hananiah even goes so far as to break the yoke from Jeremiah’s neck in a dramatic public act, insisting his own words were from the LORD.

In response, Jeremiah follows God’s instruction to warn Hananiah that this act of rebellion is not from the true word of the LORD. Jeremiah states that, rather than deliverance in two years, the people of Judah and the surrounding nations would serve the king of Babylon for a longer period. The breaking of the wooden yoke only foreshadows an iron yoke that Babylon would impose, indicating a far harsher reality. Then, Jeremiah brings God’s judgment upon Hananiah: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This year you are going to die, because you have counseled rebellion against the LORD’” (Jeremiah 28:16). By the end of the year, Hananiah had died, fulfilling God’s word through Jeremiah.

Historically, these events took place in Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. Jerusalem, located in the hill country of Judea, stood at the heart of the conflict with Babylon, which was the superpower of the time. Under King Zedekiah’s rule, the city and the kingdom of Judah faced increasing pressure and eventual conquest by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (reigned 605-562 BC). Jeremiah served as God’s prophet during this tumultuous period, warning the people that their disobedience would lead to lengthy exile, rather than the quick relief falsely promised by those like Hananiah.

This episode reveals the seriousness of false prophecy and the need to abide by the true words of the LORD. In the broader context, both Jeremiah and later biblical writers warn believers to test any prophetic message for consistency with God’s character (Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 1 John 4:1). In the New Testament, Jesus also alerts His followers to be watchful of false prophets (Matthew 24:24). Jeremiah 28 serves as a reminder that God’s word, not popular or wishful claims, ultimately prevails and that faithful endurance in His promises—rather than quick, misguided fixes—shapes our walk with Him.