Jeremiah 22:21 kjv
I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.
Jeremiah 22:21 nkjv
I spoke to you in your prosperity, But you said, 'I will not hear.' This has been your manner from your youth, That you did not obey My voice.
Jeremiah 22:21 niv
I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, 'I will not listen!' This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me.
Jeremiah 22:21 esv
I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said, 'I will not listen.' This has been your way from your youth, that you have not obeyed my voice.
Jeremiah 22:21 nlt
I warned you when you were prosperous,
but you replied, 'Don't bother me.'
You have been that way since childhood ?
you simply will not obey me!
Jeremiah 22 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah 2:36 | You are greatly blamed, even when you changed your way; also you will be greatly blamed by Egypt, as you were blamed by Assyria. | God's displeasure with Judah's reliance on foreign alliances. |
| Jeremiah 3:1-5 | Judah’s persistent idolatry and God’s enduring love. | Similar theme of unfaithfulness. |
| Jeremiah 17:5-6 | Curses against those who trust in man. | Direct parallel to Zedekiah's error. |
| Jeremiah 17:13 | O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be put to shame. | Emphasizes the futility of turning from God. |
| Jeremiah 18:11 | See, I am forming against you a disaster, a plan; turn back, each of you from his evil way... | God's offer of repentance before judgment. |
| Jeremiah 34:17 | Therefore thus says the LORD: You have not obeyed me in proclaiming liberty... therefore, thus says the LORD: you have not proclaimed liberty... | Judgment due to breaking covenant promises. |
| Ezekiel 17:15 | But he rebelled against him by sending his envoys to Egypt, that they might give him horses and a large army. Will he succeed? Will he escape who does such things? Will he break the covenant and escape? | Another prophet's view on Zedekiah's actions. |
| Ezekiel 28:25-26 | Thus says the Lord GOD: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and through them I display my holiness in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. | Promise of restoration after judgment. |
| 2 Kings 24:18-20 | Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem... But Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. | Historical backdrop of Zedekiah's reign. |
| 2 Kings 25:1-7 | Jerusalem falls and Zedekiah is captured and blinded. | Fulfillment of prophetic judgment. |
| Psalm 20:7 | Some boast in chariots, and some in horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God. | Contrast of trust. |
| Psalm 33:16-17 | The king is not saved by his mighty army, nor is a warrior delivered by his great strength. The warhorse is a vain hope for victory, and by its great force it cannot save. | Futility of relying on earthly power. |
| Isaiah 31:1-3 | Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but look not to the Holy One of Israel, nor consult the LORD!... the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. | Strong condemnation of Egyptian alliance. |
| Isaiah 30:2-3 | "The burden of the beasts of the Negeb. Into a land of trouble and distress, lions and vipers and adders, my messengers of destruction... Thus the LORD says to me, 'Yet a little while, and my indignation against you will end, and my anger will be directed to their destruction.'" | Judgment for seeking help from Egypt. |
| Micah 7:5 | Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your embrace; | Warning against misplaced trust. |
| Zephaniah 3:1-2 | Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. | Description of Judah's sin. |
| John 16:33 | I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. | Contrast of worldly and divine peace. |
| Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? | Assurance of God's support. |
| 1 Peter 2:6 | For it stands in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” | Fulfillment of trust in God's foundation. |
Jeremiah 22 verses
Jeremiah 22 21 Meaning
The verse describes a lament or denunciation of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, and the people of Judah. It signifies a complete turning away from God, seeking solace and help in other nations or systems rather than relying on the Lord. This ultimately leads to divine judgment and scattering.
Jeremiah 22 21 Context
Jeremiah chapter 22 depicts God's judgment upon various kings of Judah who failed in their responsibilities and led the nation astray. This specific verse addresses King Zedekiah. Historically, Zedekiah was installed as king by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, after Jehoiachin's deportation. Despite being warned by Jeremiah against rebellion, Zedekiah, influenced by misguided counsel and a desire for Egyptian aid, revolted against Babylonian rule. This rebellion ultimately sealed Jerusalem's fate, leading to its destruction and Zedekiah's tragic end, as predicted by the prophet. The verse reflects a profound betrayal of God's covenant and a misplaced trust in human alliances over divine guidance.
Jeremiah 22 21 Word Analysis
- "Hear ye": (Shema) A command to listen attentively, implying importance and urgency.
- "the word of the LORD": Refers to divine communication and revelation.
- "O house of David": Directly addresses the royal lineage established by King David, holding them accountable.
- "Thus saith the LORD": A prophetic formula asserting divine authority.
- "Execute ye judgment and righteousness": Command to act justly and uphold moral integrity in governance.
- "deliver the spoiled": To rescue those who have been plundered or wronged.
- "out of the hand of the oppressor": To free individuals from those who unjustly exert power over them.
- "and do no wrong, do no violence": Prohibition against acts of injustice and harmful deeds.
- "to the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow": Specifies vulnerable groups who require special protection, highlighting social responsibility.
- "shed not innocent blood": Prohibits capital punishment or murder without due cause or legal process.
- "in this place": Refers to Jerusalem, the capital city and center of worship.
- "For if ye do this thing indeed": Introduces a conditional promise based on obedience.
- "Then shall there enter in by the gates of this house": Suggests continued access and presence within the royal palace and the city.
- "kings sitting upon the throne of David": Signifies the continuation of the Davidic monarchy and prosperity.
- "riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people": Depicts royal processions and security, a symbol of stability and well-being.
- "But if ye will not hear these words": Presents the consequence of disobedience.
- "by myself have I sworn, saith the LORD": An oath of God, emphasizing the certainty of the judgment.
- "that this house shall become a desolation": Foretells the complete destruction and emptiness of the royal palace and likely the city.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis:
- "Execute ye judgment and righteousness... and do no wrong, do no violence": This collective phrase encapsulates the core responsibilities of a righteous ruler and a just society – upholding justice, fairness, and protection for all, especially the vulnerable.
- "deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor": This emphasizes the active role of leadership in safeguarding the weak from exploitation and abuse.
- "And shed not innocent blood": This addresses the gravest offense, highlighting the sanctity of life and the misuse of power that leads to unjust death.
- "Then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people": This represents a picture of divine favor, continued dynastic rule, and national security – the blessings associated with faithfulness.
- "But if ye will not hear these words... that this house shall become a desolation": This starkly contrasts the promise with the threat, illustrating that disobedience to God's word leads to total ruin.
- "by myself have I sworn, saith the LORD": This phrase signifies God's irrevocable oath, ensuring the execution of His pronouncements.
Jeremiah 22 21 Bonus Section
This verse stands as a potent reminder that leadership, particularly in a covenant relationship with God, carries immense responsibility. The failure to execute justice and protect the defenseless is not a minor infraction but a profound betrayal that invites divine judgment. The historical fulfillment of this prophecy, seen in the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the Davidic monarchy for a time, demonstrates the seriousness with which God holds these matters. The emphasis on protecting the "stranger, the fatherless, and the widow" highlights that true worship and faithfulness are demonstrated through social justice and care for the marginalized, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of mercy and justice in Matthew 23:23, where he critiques the Pharisees for neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" while focusing on minor rituals.
Jeremiah 22 21 Commentary
Jeremiah 22:3 reiterates the fundamental principles of righteous governance expected from the Davidic kings: justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable. These are not merely optional ethical considerations but are presented as essential prerequisites for the continuation of their rule and the security of the nation. The verse paints a vivid picture of prosperity and divine blessing – kings from David's line continuing to rule from Jerusalem, with the people secure and enjoying the fruits of stable governance. Conversely, it pronounces absolute desolation as the inevitable consequence of their failure to uphold these covenantal duties. God’s oath underscores the unwavering certainty of this judgment. The promise and the threat are intertwined, demonstrating the profound connection between obedience to God's word and the well-being of His people and their leadership.