Chapter 28: The Clash of Prophets and the Iron Yoke
(17 Pesukim)
Overview
This chapter recounts a dramatic confrontation between Yermiyahu and Hananiah in the Temple. Hananiah predicts Babylon’s power will soon end, but Yermiyahu warns that such words are false. The chapter underscores the danger of misleading prophecy and the certainty of Hashem’s decree.
- Chananiah’s Bold Claim (28:1-4)
- In Zedekiah’s fourth year of reign, in the fifth month, Chananiah the son of Azzur from the city of Givon publicly declared before me, Yirmiyahu, and all the priests in the Temple:
- “Hashem told me that He has broken Babylon’s yoke! Within two years, I Hashem will return the Temple vessels that were taken, back to this home, and the exiles will return.” I will return Yechanya the son of Yehoyakim the king of Judah, as well as all of the exile of Judah, from Bavel back to their homeland.
- His message sounds hopeful—but it contradicts Hashem’s word through Yermiyahu.
- Yermiyahu’s Response (28:5-9)
- Yermiyahu replied to Chananiah the prophet and to all of the priests and nation:
- “Amen! May Hashem indeed do as you say and return all of the Temple vessels and the exiles back home.
- However, please listen to my message and let it enter your ears: Lets be realistic: All the previous prophets who lived before me and you warned of war and disaster, not quick deliverance.
- A prophet who speaks of blessing and peace can be proven if he is a false prophet if the matter does not come to pass.”
- The Breaking of the Wooden Yoke (28:10-11)
- Chananiah the [false] prophet after hearing the above words from Yirmiyahu decided to make a point and double down on his prophecy. He seized the wooden yoke from Yermiyahu’s neck and broke it, declaring:
- “So will Hashem break Babylon’s yoke from all nations within two years.”
- After this event, Yermiyahu left silently on his way.
- Hashem’s Counter message (28:12-14)
- Hashem spoke to Yermiyahu after the breaking of the yoke from his neck, saying:
- “Chananiah broke wooden bars—but I will replace them with iron bars.”
- The meaning: Babylon’s rule will be stronger and unavoidable. All nations must serve Nebuchadnezzar—even the beasts of the field.
- Judgment on Chananiah (28:15-17)
- Yermiyahu confronted Chananiah the prophet telling him:
- “Listen Chananiah, Hashem did not send you. You misled the people with lies and false prophecies.”
- Hashem’s sentence:
- “Chananiah, Hashem told me that as a punishment, this year you will die and be sent from the face of the earth, for speaking rebellion against Me.”
- Chananiah dies: Chananiah indeed died a few months later, in the seventh month [on Erev Rosh Hashanah[1]].
[1] Rashi 28:17
