What criteria does Jeremiah 28:9 give for discerning true prophecy? Setting the Scene • In Jeremiah 28, the prophet Hananiah promises swift peace and the removal of Babylon’s yoke. • Jeremiah, who has long warned of judgment, answers by laying down a clear, God-given test for Hananiah’s claim. The Verse in Focus Jeremiah 28:9: “As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only when his word comes to pass will that prophet be recognized as one whom the LORD has truly sent.” Key Criterion for True Prophecy • Fulfillment is the decisive proof. – If the announced event—especially a message of “peace”—happens exactly as foretold, the prophet is genuine. – If the event fails to occur, the prophecy (and the prophet) is false, no matter how appealing the promise sounds. Why the Fulfillment Test Matters • False prophets often promise comfort; God’s standard cuts through empty optimism. • Accuracy in prediction shows the spokesperson is receiving revelation from the omniscient God who “declares the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). • The test safeguards God’s people from deception and reinforces confidence in true revelation. Support from the Rest of Scripture • Deuteronomy 18:21-22 — “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing the LORD has not spoken.” • Isaiah 41:22-23 — The LORD challenges idols: “Tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods.” • 1 Samuel 3:19 — Samuel’s authenticity is confirmed because “the LORD let none of his words fall to the ground.” • Ezekiel 33:33 — “When it comes to pass… then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” • John 13:19 — Jesus applies the same principle: “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.” Practical Takeaways • Hold every prophetic claim—ancient or modern—to the fulfillment test Jeremiah cites. • A prophet whose words align with Scripture yet remain unfulfilled must still await verification; certainty comes only after fulfillment. • Promises of peace, prosperity, or breakthroughs must never override the plain teaching of God’s Word; emotional appeal never substitutes for factual accuracy. • Fulfillment never contradicts earlier revelation; God’s messages harmonize with the totality of Scripture (Galatians 1:8). Summary Jeremiah 28:9 offers a straightforward, God-ordained criterion: a prophecy is validated only when it comes true. Fulfillment proves the prophet’s divine commission; failure exposes deception. This standard, echoed throughout Scripture, continues to protect believers and confirm God’s trustworthy Word. |
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