Chapter Summary

Sign of the yokes, continued. False prophecy and death of Hananiah.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 28

1. How are Jeremiah and Hananiah presented as similar in this passage? How does this make things challenging for their audience in Jerusalem? How do those who are not speaking the truth, but are closely imitating godly teachers present challenges today?
2. Does it appear that Hananiah is trying to lead the people astray or console them with this false prophecy about restoring Judah? How could it be damaging to tell a lie to console someone regardless of one's intentions?
3. Why doesn't Jeremiah immediately rebuke Hananiah for going against what the Lord had just said earlier that same year? How did Jesus answer John in Luke 9:49-50 after the apostles had rebuked someone quickly?
4. Practically speaking, how can believers be "quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger" (James 1:19, NASB) while still standing for the God's truth as Jeremiah did?
5. Why does Jeremiah initially say "Amen!" (v.5, NASB) and hopes out loud Hananiah is speaking the truth? Is there still time for the people of Judah to repent, and the Lord to relent, or has that time passed? Is Jeremiah simply speaking the truth in a wise manner? How should we deal with difficult people? Describe a time when you dealt with a difficult person, and was it honoring or dishonoring to the Lord?
6. What is the standard for being a true prophet according to Jeremiah? What advantages do Christians have today for knowing who is a true teacher or preacher? How do believers take hold of these advantages most effectively?
7. What does Hananiah claim the breaking of the yoke of Jeremiah represent? How does this line up with the prophecies in chapter 27? Why do you think that some people double down when they are caught in a lie?
8. What does the Lord imply when he speaks of the wooden yoke being broken and replaced with an iron yoke? Describe a time in your life when resisting or running for the Lord has led to worse consequences down the line.
9. Jeremiah says in verse 15 that Hananiah "made this people trust in a lie" (NASB). Do the people still hold some responsibility for following Hananiah's lie? Have you ever followed after a lie, knowingly or unknowingly? What were the consequences? How can we as believers guard ourselves and others against following the lies of false teachers?
10. Why do you think Hananiah was put to death so swiftly for his sin? When are other crucial times in scripture that the Lord put people to death to protect either Israel or the early church? Do you think this is something that the Lord may do even today?

Key Words/Phrase

False teachers, v. 16.

Characters

Zedeklah, Hananiah, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeconiah.

Strong Verse(s)

9