Jeremiah 22 15

Jeremiah 22:15 kjv

Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?

Jeremiah 22:15 nkjv

"Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink, And do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.

Jeremiah 22:15 niv

"Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him.

Jeremiah 22:15 esv

Do you think you are a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.

Jeremiah 22:15 nlt

But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!
Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink.
But he was just and right in all his dealings.
That is why God blessed him.

Jeremiah 22 verses

Jeremiah 22 15 Meaning

This verse describes a king who inherits his father's throne, intending to rule justly and righteously. His father was a just ruler, but this successor appears to have fallen into wickedness and self-indulgence, forgetting the good example set before him. The prophet condemns this new king for his misrule and pronounces judgment.

Jeremiah 22 15 Context

Jeremiah 22 is part of Jeremiah's broader prophecy against the kings of Judah. This chapter addresses specific kings, including Shallum (also known as Jehoahaz) and Jehoiakim, highlighting their corrupt leadership and the consequences that would befall them and Jerusalem. Verse 15, in particular, critiques the actions of Jehoiakim by contrasting his behavior with that of his father, Josiah. Josiah was known for his devotion to God and his efforts to reform Judah and restore true worship, as documented in 2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35. Jehoiakim, however, ruled unjustly, burdened the people with heavy taxes for his building projects, and defied God's word. The historical backdrop is a time when Judah was a vassal state to Egypt and later Babylon, with significant political instability and spiritual decline.

Jeremiah 22 15 Word Analysis

• "Did": This initiates a rhetorical question, highlighting the expectation of a certain behavior based on the father's example.
• "your": Refers directly to the king being addressed (Jehoiakim).
• "father": Refers to King Josiah, a righteous king whose reign was a contrast to his son's.
• "not": A negative particle emphasizing the absence of the following action.
• "eat": Denotes receiving nourishment and sustenance.
• "and": A conjunction connecting "eat" and "drink."
• "drink": Denotes receiving refreshment and sustenance.
• "and": A conjunction connecting "drink" and "do."
• "do": To perform actions, to carry out deeds.
• "judgment": Hebrew: (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat). This word refers to justice, right dealing, a legal decision, or a righteous deed. It signifies upholding what is right and equitable.
• "and": A conjunction connecting "judgment" and "righteousness."
• "righteousness": Hebrew: (צְדָקָה, tzedakah). This term denotes righteousness, justice, equity, and also acts of kindness or charity. It implies living according to God's standards and doing what is morally right.
• "then": Indicates consequence or result.
• "it": Refers to the "judgment and righteousness."
• "was": Past tense of "to be."
• "well": Indicating good status or positive outcome.
• "with": A preposition indicating association or accompaniment.
• "him": Referring back to the father.

Group Analysis:

• "eat and drink and do judgment and righteousness": This phrase collectively describes the positive and virtuous governance of King Josiah. His rule was characterized by providing for the needs of his people (eat and drink, metaphorically suggesting responsible stewardship) and administering justice and righteousness. This stands in stark contrast to Jehoiakim's reign.

Jeremiah 22 15 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "eating and drinking" for a king isn't just about physical sustenance but also about the king's role in providing for his people's welfare and managing the nation's resources responsibly. A king who governs justly ensures that his people have their needs met and that resources are not hoarded or squandered. The concept of "doing judgment and righteousness" encapsulates the king's divine mandate to administer God's law fairly, protecting the vulnerable and punishing the wicked. This verse underscores the responsibility that comes with the Davidic kingship, a covenant relationship with God that demanded adherence to divine principles. The contrast between Josiah and Jehoiakim is a classic biblical theme illustrating the generational impact of godly versus ungodly leadership.

Jeremiah 22 15 Commentary

The verse sets up a direct comparison between King Josiah and his son Jehoiakim. Josiah, referred to as "your father," was renowned for his piety and his commitment to God's law, as detailed in 2 Kings 22-23. He instituted religious reforms, justly ruled the land, and cared for his people. The rhetorical question implies that Josiah’s good example should have been sufficient for Jehoiakim to follow. Instead, Jehoiakim indulged in extravagance and oppressed his subjects, particularly evident in his palace building financed by unjust taxation (Jeremiah 22:13-14). The prophet points out that Josiah's reign was marked by positive actions – fulfilling his responsibilities to the people and governing with justice and righteousness. The consequence of such a life, according to the verse, was that "it was well with him," indicating prosperity and peace. This highlights the principle that righteous leadership leads to a favorable outcome for both the ruler and the nation, while wickedness invites divine judgment. The verse serves as a stark warning to Jehoiakim, emphasizing that his father’s path was the way to well-being, a path he had forsaken.