Hananiah
The False Prophet
Name Information
- Meaning: "The Lord is gracious"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Hananiah opposed Jeremiah’s warnings about Babylon, falsely prophesying that God would break Babylon’s yoke and return the exiles within two years. His lies gave false hope and defied God’s true word.
⏰ Late Kingdom of Judah (c. 597 BC)
Roles
- False Prophet
Relationships
- Enemy: Jeremiah
Story
During the reign of Zedekiah, Hananiah confronted Jeremiah in the temple.
Broke the wooden yoke Jeremiah wore as a symbol of submission to Babylon.
Prophesied falsely that within two years the temple articles and exiles would return.
Jeremiah pronounced God’s judgment, and Hananiah died within the year.
Spiritual Significance
- Contradicted Jeremiah’s message from God.
- Gave the people false assurance of a quick deliverance.
- Was judged by God with death for his rebellion.
What We Can Learn
- Not all who claim to speak for God are true messengers.
- False hope can lead people further from God’s will.
- God defends His word and vindicates His true servants.
Memory Verses
Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies.
— Jeremiah 28:15
Key Passages
- Jeremiah 28
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