Jeremiah·Chapter 28

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect on the voices you listen to. Are they leading you toward genuine peace and truth? Try to identify one area of your life where you can seek out a reliable voice – maybe it’s a friend, a mentor, or even a book that inspires you. When someone shares advice or a promise with you, ask yourself: ‘How can I verify this? What evidence is there?’ This practice can help you build a habit of seeking true wisdom and understanding in your everyday choices.

Chapter Context

In this chapter, the tension is thick. There’s a struggle between people who are looking for hope amidst chaos, and prophets who are claiming to speak for God. This specific verse comes at a critical moment when a false prophet named Hananiah is telling everyone that peace is coming soon. But Jeremiah, the real prophet, is there too, warning them about the reality of their situation. This verse serves as a turning point, emphasizing that true prophets aren’t just about nice words; their messages are backed by real outcomes. Once the peace happens, everyone will know who truly speaks for God – it’s like a plot twist coming to light.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• prophet - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• who - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• prophesies - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• peace - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• word - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• prophet - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• pass - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• known - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lord - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• truly - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When you hear someone make a bold claim, how do you determine whether to trust them or not?

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 18:22 - It explains how to tell if a prophet is genuine: if their predictions come true, they’re the real deal.
• Isaiah 9:6 - Written about 700 years before this verse, it foretells a coming peace that would be embodied in a child, showing how prophecies connect over time.
• Ezekiel 33:33 - It speaks about how people will know the truth when it happens, similar to what Jeremiah is emphasizing about recognizing true prophets.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Jeremiah 28:9. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

True vs. False Prophecy, Judgment and Consequences, Hope vs. Reality, Public vs. Private Faith, Divine Authority, Trust and Deception

Key Verses

Jeremiah 28:9, Jeremiah 28:15, Jeremiah 28:16, Jeremiah 28:17

Historical Context

Jeremiah 28 is situated during a critical period in Judah's history as the nation faces impending doom from Babylon. Zedekiah is the last king of Judah, ruling during a time of spiritual and political turmoil. The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah is contrasted with that of Hananiah, who represents a popular, yet false, voice offering immediate hope without acknowledging the nation's sin. This chapter illustrates the struggle between genuine prophetic words that call for repentance and the allure of messages that promise peace without accountability.