Westminster Annotations, Jeremiah · Chapter 28
CHAP. XXVIII.
Vers. 1. ANd it came to passe the same yeere, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah] Or, Thus it was in that yeere. as Hag. 1. 15. having reference to what was before related. It came to passe the same yeer, that he began to weare those bonds, Chap. 27. 2. and delivered that message unto Zedekiah, Chap. 27. 12. and to the priests and the people. Chap. 27. 16. Or, after these things were past and done in that yeere, to wit, in the first yeer of Zedekiahs reign. as 1 Sam. 13. 1.
in the fourth year] Or, Now in the fourth year. as Hag. 2. 1. either of the reign of Zedekiah: which yet was not the beginning of his reign, but neer about the midst of it; for he reigned but eleven yeers in all, 2 King 24. 18. Or, as some would have it, the fourth yeer after the seventh yeers rest, Exod. 23. 10. Lev 25. 4. Chap. 34. 9, 10. See Chap. 27. 1, 3. and the note on the former part of this verse.
that Hananiah] Or, Hananiah. omitting the particle, which is not in the originall.
the Prophet] Who took upon him and professed himself so to be. So Chap. 23. 28. Vers. 5.
of Gibcon] A citie of Benjamin, belonging to the Priests, Josh. 21. 13, 17.
V. 3. Within two full years] Heb. two yeers of dayes. Vers. 11. Gen. 29. 14. & 41. 1.
V. 4. all the captives] Heb. captivitie. Chap. 24. 5. & 29. 1.
I will break the yoke] Gen. 27. 40. Vers. 11.
V. 5. the prophet Hananiah] So esteemed, though in truth nothing lesse, Vers. 1. Chap. 29. 15.
V. 6. Jeremiah said, Amen] Not as confirming, or assenting to his prophecie as true; but as wishing and desiring heartily, that if God so pleased, it might so be, and that God would be pleased to do it.
V. 7. I speak in thine eares] Or, hearing. Chap. 26. 14. & 29. 29.
in the eares] Or, hearing.
V. 8. and of evill] Or, famine; as Chap. 21. 9. & 24. 10. & 27. 13. & 38. 2. & 39. 18. & 44. 12, 13, 18, 27.
V. 9. of peace] Or, prosperity Chap. 29. 7.
when the word of the prophet shall come to passe] Whether they prophecied of good or evill, they were to be tried by the event of that which they foretold. Deut 18. 22. albeit God sometime to try his people, suffer such things as false prophets foretell, to fall out. Deut. 13. 1-3. but then have they another rule to go by, to wit, the word. Isai. 8. 20.
V. 10. took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiahs neck] Chap. 27. 2.
brake i… ] Thus wicked wretches, led by ambition and covetise, and desirous to please Prince and people, care not what rage and outrage they break forth into; to justifie and confirm such lyes, as they broach against knowledge and conscience, and to maintain their own estimation. So 1 King. 22. 11, 24.
V. 11. so will I break the yoke] Vers. 4.
from the neck of all nations] Chap. 27. 7.
within the space of two full years] Vers. 3.
Jeremiah went his way] Not enduring any longer to hear him vent such grosse falshoods and lyes in Gods name. as Isai. 36. 20.
V. 12. Hananiah the prophet] See Vers. 1. 5.
broken the yoke] Vers. 10.
V. 13. but thou shalt make] Or, but that thou art to make; as being a part of that message, which he was to deliver to them.
yokes of iron] An hard and cruell thraldome: or, such a yoke as they shall not be able to break. Deut. 28. 48.
V. 14. I have given him the beasts of the field also] Signifying, that all should be his, and at his service. Chap. 27. 6. Dan. 2. 48.
V. 15. The LORD hath not sent thee] Chap. 27. 15. & 29. 9.
V. 16. thou hast taught rebellion] Heb. spoken Deut. 13. 5. Cha. 29. 32. Heb. revolt. Chap. 5. 23.
against the Lord] By encouraging them to stand out against Gods Word, and his menaces by his Prophets. Chap. 23. 27.
V. 17. Hananiah the Prophet dyed the same year, in the seventh month] Within two months after this denunciation, Vers. 1. which though it were an evident conviction of his false-dealing; and a confirmation of the truth by Jeremiah delivered; yet the people repented not: which sheweth, that neither word, nor miracles will move, untill the heart be truly touched. Num. 16. 41. Deut. 29. 3, 4. Ezek. 11. 13, 15. Joh. 12. 37.