Jeremiah 28:12

Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah [the prophet], after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

Then the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet, after {H310} that Hananiah {H2608} the prophet {H5030} had broken {H7665} the yoke {H4133} from off the neck {H6677} of the prophet {H5030} Jeremiah {H3414}, saying {H559},

but then this word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu, after Hananyah the prophet had broken off the crossbar from the neck of the prophet Yirmeyahu:

But shortly after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke off his neck, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

Then the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the bar from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

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Commentary

Jeremiah 28:12 marks a pivotal moment in the dramatic confrontation between the true prophet Jeremiah and the false prophet Hananiah. This verse emphasizes the immediate divine response to Hananiah’s audacious act of breaking the wooden yoke that Jeremiah wore as a symbol of Judah’s impending servitude to Babylon.

Historical and Cultural Context

The scene unfolds in Jerusalem during a tumultuous period as the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar was asserting its dominance over Judah. Jeremiah had been commissioned by God to deliver a difficult message: Judah would serve Babylon for seventy years, and resistance was futile (Jeremiah 27:6). To visually reinforce this message, Jeremiah wore a literal wooden yoke around his neck (Jeremiah 27:2). Hananiah, however, offered a popular, comforting counter-message, prophesying that God would break Babylon's power within two years and restore the temple vessels (Jeremiah 28:2-4). His public breaking of Jeremiah’s yoke in Jeremiah 28:10-11 was a symbolic act meant to negate Jeremiah's prophecy and give the people false hope.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority vs. False Prophecy: This verse underscores the absolute authority of the "word of the LORD" (Hebrew: davar Yahweh) in contrast to human-devised messages. Even when a prophet claims divine inspiration, as Hananiah did, the ultimate test is whether their words align with God's established will and truth (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
  • God's Unchanging Decree: Hananiah's attempt to annul God's prophecy through a symbolic act proved futile. God's plans and judgments are not easily thwarted by human intervention or wishful thinking. This verse sets the stage for God to reassert His sovereign will.
  • Consequences of Deception: The breaking of the wooden yoke by Hananiah was a direct challenge to God's prophet and His message. Jeremiah 28:12 introduces God's swift and severe response, which includes replacing the broken wooden yoke with an iron one (Jeremiah 28:13-14) and pronouncing judgment upon Hananiah himself (Jeremiah 28:15-17).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: davar Yahweh) is crucial. It signifies a direct, authoritative revelation from God, distinguishing Jeremiah's message from Hananiah's human-originated, though deceptively pious, words. The "yoke" (Hebrew: motah) symbolizes not only servitude and oppression but also divine discipline and God's sovereign control over nations.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jeremiah 28:12 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment. In a world full of conflicting messages, it is vital to test all claims against the unchanging truth of God's Word (1 John 4:1). This verse encourages us to seek and embrace difficult truths from God rather than comforting lies, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and wisdom, even when His plans don't align with our immediate desires or expectations. It highlights the danger of prophets or leaders who promise peace and prosperity without acknowledging the need for repentance and obedience to God's revealed will.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 1:2

    To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

  • Jeremiah 29:30

    Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

  • Daniel 9:2

    In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

  • 2 Kings 20:4

    And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

  • 1 Chronicles 17:3

    And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
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