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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 28 - Verse 17

28:17
So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Jeremiah in the Bible tells us about the fate of the false prophet Hananiah. He had contradicted the words of the true prophet Jeremiah, claiming that the captivity of Judah would soon come to an end. However, God revealed to Jeremiah that Hananiah's message was false, and that he would die within the year. In the seventh month of that year, Hananiah met his end, proving the validity of Jeremiah's prophecies and warning against false teachings. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones, and the consequences of spreading deceitful messages in the name of God.

Theological Overview

Within the theological context of the Old Testament, the death of Hananiah the prophet in the seventh month of the same year serves as a significant event. It signifies the consequences of false prophecy and the judgment of God upon those who speak lies in His name. The death of Hananiah serves as a warning to those who claim to speak for God but do not truly represent His will. It also emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones, as the consequences of following the wrong voice can be severe.

In terms of word studies, the name "Hananiah" means "gift of the Lord" in Hebrew. This sheds light on the irony of his character, as he proved to be a false prophet who led people astray. The mention of the seventh month could also have symbolic significance, as the number seven often represents completion or perfection in the Bible. Therefore, the timing of his death in the seventh month could be interpreted as the completion of his false prophecy and the fulfillment of God's judgment.

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