Chapter 733 of 1163

JEREMIAH 22

The prophet addressed four kings of Judah, beginning with Zedekiah, the last king, and then taking the preceding kings in the order of their reign.

He reminded Zedekiah (vv. 1–9) that he sat on the throne of David but was not ruling as David ruled. Not only would Zedekiah’s palace be ruined, but the house (dynasty) of David would have no king until the Messiah would come.

He reminded Shallum (Jehoahaz [vv. 10–17]) that his father Josiah had been a godly man but Shallum was not following his example. His besetting sin was covetousness (v. 17). He reigned only three months before being taken to Egypt where he died.

Jehoiakim (vv. 18–23) would not listen to the voice of God. Even the animals know and obey their Creator (Isa. 1:2–3), but the heir to David’s throne would not hear David’s God. Instead of having the usual state funeral, the king was buried in disgrace.

Coniah (Jeconiah; Jehoiachin [vv. 24–30]) was apparently very popular, but the idol would fall and be smashed. He had several children, but none of them would inherit the throne of David. Coniah was a castaway (vv. 26, 28) who by his sins jeopardized his future and the future of his family and the nation.

When we do not learn from the past or hear God and obey Him in the present, we destroy our future.

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