Hananiah (III)

III. HANANIAH, the son of Azur, a Jerem. xxviii. 1, 16.false Prophet of the city of Gibeon, who coming to Jerusalem in the fourth year of the reign of Zedekiah King of Judah, and of the World 3409, said to Jeremiah before the Priests and all the People, Thus saith the Lord, I have broken the yoke of the King of Babylon. Within two full years will I bring again into 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 Jeremiah answered, Amen. May it please God to perform what you have said. But hear me: I am not the only Prophet, who has denounced evils against particular Countries and Kingdoms. The event is a real justification of Prophets. It will be seen whether what I declare to you will come to pass. At the same time, Hananiah laid hold of the chains, which Jeremiah had for some time worn about his neck, as an emblem of the future captivity of Judah, and breaking them, he said, Thus saith the Lord, even so in two years time will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon. Jeremiah, who had retired, was inspired by God to return; and directing his discourse to him, said, Thou hast broken the yokes of wood, but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron; and since thou seducest the people with falshoods, thou shalt die this year, because thou hast taught rebellion against the Lord. And Hananiah died within the year: in that of the World 3410, before Jesus Christ 590, before the Vulgar Æra 594.

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