What can we learn from Jeremiah's response to Hananiah in Jeremiah 28:5? Setting the Scene Jeremiah 28 opens with the false prophet Hananiah announcing a quick end to Babylonian domination. Verse 5 records Jeremiah’s immediate reaction: “Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah in the presence of the priests and all the people standing in the house of the LORD.” Key Observations from Jeremiah’s Response • Jeremiah answered “in the presence of the priests and all the people” —he did not retreat or whisper; truth had to be spoken where error was proclaimed. • He addressed Hananiah as “the prophet” —recognizing the office yet challenging the message, distinguishing respect for position from endorsement of falsehood. • Jeremiah waited until Hananiah finished (vv. 1-4) before speaking—modeling patience, not impulsiveness. • His reply began with measured words (v. 6, “Amen! May the LORD do so…”) showing courtesy even while disagreeing. • He grounded his rebuttal in the written and prophetic precedent (vv. 8-9), not personal opinion. Lessons for Today • Courageous Confrontation – Truth must rebut error publicly when error is public (cf. Galatians 2:11-14). – Silence can imply agreement; speaking up defends God’s honor (Jude 3). • Respectful Tone – Jeremiah’s courtesy models “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). – We can oppose false teaching without personal hostility (Proverbs 15:1). • Scripture as the Standard – Jeremiah measured Hananiah’s words against prior revelation (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). – Believers today test every message by the written Word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Patience before Speaking – Listening fully guards against rash responses (James 1:19). – A thoughtful answer carries more weight than a hasty retort (Proverbs 15:28). Related Scriptures • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage…” • Galatians 1:8-9 — a warning against any gospel that contradicts revealed truth. • Proverbs 27:5 — “Better an open rebuke than hidden love.” Takeaways to Practice • Stay rooted in Scripture so you can recognize and refute error. • Speak up kindly but firmly when God’s truth is distorted. • Maintain respect for people even while exposing false ideas. • Let patience and prayer precede confrontation; act only after hearing the whole matter. |
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