Jeremiah Opposed by Arrogant False Prophets

Jeremiah stood firmly for the policy of submission. Prominent among those who opposed the counsel of the Lord was Hananiah, one of the false prophets. Thinking to gain the favor of the royal court, he declared that God had given him words of encouragement for the Jews: “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, ... ‘Within two full years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah ..., for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’” Jeremiah 28:2-4.RR 157.4

Jeremiah cited the prophecies of Hosea, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, whose messages had been similar to his own. He referred to events that had taken place, exactly fulfilling God’s purpose as revealed through His messengers. “As for the prophet who prophesies of peace,” Jeremiah proposed in conclusion, “when the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one whom the Lord has truly sent.” Verse 9.RR 158.1

The words of Jeremiah stirred Hananiah to make a daring challenge. Taking the symbolic yoke from Jeremiah’s neck, Hananiah broke it, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.’” Verse 11.RR 158.2

Apparently Jeremiah could do nothing more than to withdraw from the scene of conflict. But God gave him another message: “Go and tell Hananiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “You have broken the yokes of wood, but you have made in their place yokes of iron. ... I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him.”’”RR 158.3

“Then Jeremiah the prophet said to Hananiah the prophet, ‘Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the Lord: ... “This year you shall die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.”’ So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.” Verses 13-17. The false prophet had wickedly declared himself to be the Lord’s messenger, and he died as a result.RR 158.4

The unrest caused by the false prophets brought Zedekiah under suspicion of treason, and only by quick action on his part was he permitted to continue reigning as a vassal. The king accompanied a prince on a mission to Babylon. Jeremiah 51:59. During this visit to the Chaldean court, Zedekiah renewed his oath of allegiance to Nebuchadnezzar.RR 158.5

Through Daniel and other Hebrew captives, the Babylonian monarch had become acquainted with the power and supreme authority of the true God; and when Zedekiah once more solemnly promised to remain loyal, Nebuchadnezzar required him to swear to this in the name of the Lord God of Israel. If Zedekiah had respected this renewal of his covenant oath, his loyalty would have had a profound influence on many who were watching those who claimed to honor the God of the Hebrews. But the Bible records that Zedekiah “rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord God of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 36:13.RR 158.6