Definition: Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Jeremiah 28:15. It's a really important and complex part of biblical history, so we need to understand it piece by piece. Here’s the explanation simplified: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a false prophet named Jeremiah telling people to trust in a lie – essentially, to believe something that isn't true. It's a significant moment of deception and betrayal within the Old Testament. Let's unpack it further: “Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah…” : This tells us we’re talking about a specific conversation between Jeremiah and Hananiah, a prophet who was serving under King Josiah of Judah. It’s important to note that “Hananiah” was actually a different prophet than the one mentioned in other parts of the Bible. “…The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.” : This is the core of the verse. Jeremiah is telling Hananiah that he isn’t truly chosen by God. Instead, he – Jeremiah – is deliberately leading people to believe something false. He's manipulating them with lies. What does it mean? This is a critical point in understanding the events surrounding the fall of Judah. Here’s what it suggests: Political Manipulation: This was a deliberate act by Jeremiah to destabilize Judah and pave the way for its downfall. He used his position as a prophet to sow discord and create confusion. Deception and Betrayal: It highlights a pattern of deception within the religious leadership of that time. They were using their authority and influence to mislead people. The Root of Evil: This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for evil to arise from those who are not truly serving God. In short, it’s a story about a prophet who deliberately leads people astray with false promises and deception. --- Important Note: This passage is incredibly complex and has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It's important to remember that the Bible often uses symbolic language, so this verse can be understood on multiple levels. Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you a brief summary of the historical context (without going into too much detail)?