I am speaking in your hearing
Jeremiah's role as a prophet was to deliver God's word directly to the people, often in public settings. This phrase underscores the immediacy and personal nature of prophetic messages. The public proclamation is significant, as it holds the prophet accountable and allows the community to witness and judge the prophecy's fulfillment, aligning with the communal aspects of Hebrew society.

and in the hearing of all the people
The message is not just for the leaders or a select few but for the entire community. This inclusivity reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the entire nation is called to obedience. It also serves as a public testimony, ensuring that all are aware of God's warnings and promises, similar to the public readings of the Law in Nehemiah 8:1-3. This communal aspect is crucial in understanding the collective responsibility and response expected from the people.

- Jeremiah has just listened respectfully to Hananiah’s optimistic prophecy (Jeremiah 28:1-4) and even expressed a guarded “Amen” if it were truly from God (v. 6).

- “Nevertheless” signals a firm pivot: despite pleasantries, Jeremiah will not compromise truth. Compare Paul’s unwavering stance in Galatians 1:8-9 and Peter’s in Acts 4:19-20.

- The word underscores the prophet’s resolve to uphold God’s revelation over popular opinion, much like Jeremiah 1:17—“But you, gird up your loins; arise, and speak to them all that I command you.”

- An urgent appeal for immediate attention. Deuteronomy 4:1 opens with the same heart cry: “And now, O Israel, listen…”

- The command carries moral weight; to refuse is disobedience (cf. Hebrews 3:15, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts”).

- It invites rather than coerces, echoing James 1:19—“Everyone should be quick to listen,” a timeless principle for discernment.

- Jeremiah is not offering personal opinion; he bears the very word of the LORD (Jeremiah 1:9).

- Amos 3:7 reminds us God reveals His counsel through prophets, while 1 Thessalonians 2:13 commends receiving the gospel “not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.”

- The phrase sharpens the contrast with Hananiah’s fabrication; only one message can be authentically divine (Jeremiah 23:28-29).

- The words are delivered face-to-face. Personal accountability is built in; no one can claim ignorance later (cf. Deuteronomy 30:14, “the word is very near you…in your mouth and in your heart”).

- Acts 2:22 likewise appeals to direct witness: “Men of Israel, hear these words.”

- By placing the revelation “in their ears,” Jeremiah underscores that God’s truth confronts individuals, calling for response (Luke 4:21).

- Prophecy is proclaimed publicly, allowing communal verification. Jeremiah 26:2 shows the same pattern: speak “all the words” in the LORD’s house “for all the cities of Judah to hear.”

- Public exposure protects against private distortion (Matthew 18:16 requires witnesses).

- False prophecy invites corporate judgment (Deuteronomy 13:1-5); thus the entire assembly must hear and weigh Jeremiah’s words (John 18:20—Jesus taught “openly to the world”).

Jeremiah 28:7 captures a courageous prophet pausing the crowd-pleasing promises of Hananiah with a decisive “Nevertheless.” He demands immediate, focused attention to a message that is unmistakably God’s, delivered in full public view so no listener can evade the truth. The verse models steadfast fidelity to Scripture, personal and communal accountability, and the urgency of heeding God’s revealed word over every attractive but false alternative.

Parallel Commentaries ...