Jeremiah

Jeremiah 22: The LORD judges unjust kings

Begin in prayer

Before we read the LORD’s word to the king’s house, let us bow before the LORD in prayer. Ask Him to make us people who love justice, to strengthen our family, and to show us Christ, the true King who reigns in righteousness.

The King’s strength also loves justice. You do establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob.

Psalms 99:4

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You love justice and judge every unjust ruler, and help us to do what is right and fair. Show us Christ, the true King, and help us to turn from our sin and trust Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The LORD sends Jeremiah to the house of the king of Judah with a plain command to do justice and righteousness (verses 1 to 3). The LORD warns that this house will become a desolation if the king will not hear His words (verses 4 and 5). The LORD says Shallum will never return, and that Jehoiakim will be cast out with no mourning (verses 11, 18 and 19). The LORD pronounces woe on the man who builds his house by injustice and does not pay his workers (verses 13 to 17). Coniah is told he will be cast out, and no man of his line will prosper on David’s throne (verses 24 to 30).

As you read Jeremiah 22, look for the answers:

• What does the LORD tell the king to do with justice and righteousness? (verse 3)
• What does the LORD say about the man who builds his house by unrighteousness? (verses 13 and 14)
• Who does the LORD say will not return to the land? (verse 11)

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD judges unjust kings, and He calls rulers to do what is just and right.

The kings of Judah sat on David’s throne, but Jehoiakim ruled with covetousness, oppression and the shedding of innocent blood (verse 17). The LORD told the king to do justice, rescue the one being robbed, and not shed innocent blood (verses 3 and 4). The LORD said justice would keep David’s throne safe, and swore this house would be a desolation otherwise (verses 4 and 5). Shallum, Jehoiakim and Coniah were judged for their sin, and none of them ruled in righteousness (verses 11, 18 and 24). Woe was pronounced on the man who built his house by injustice and refused his workers their wages (verses 13 and 14). But Jesus is the true Son of David, the King who did what was right and reigns in righteousness. He bore the judgment that sinners deserve.

How does Jeremiah 22 show us that the LORD judges unjust kings, and calls rulers to do what is just and right?

The LORD calls for justice and righteousness.

The king was told to do justice and righteousness, and to protect the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow (verse 3). He commanded the king to do no wrong and no violence (verse 3). Jesus always did what was right.

Sinful rulers bring ruin on themselves.

Jehoiakim built his house by unrighteousness and refused his workers their wages (verses 13 and 17). The LORD said he would not be mourned, and he would be cast out beyond the gates (verses 18 and 19). Sin brings the LORD’s judgment, and only Christ can save sinners from it.

Only Christ reigns forever in righteousness.

The LORD said that no man of Coniah’s line would prosper on David’s throne (verses 24 to 30). Those kings failed, but Christ never fails to do what is right. He took the judgment of His people at the cross.

Memorize

Execute justice and righteousness, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor

Jeremiah 22:3

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, have I trusted Jesus, the true King who always does what is right?

The LORD sent Jeremiah to the king of Judah with a plain command, “Execute justice and righteousness.” Jehoiakim’s heart was set on his own gain, and he shed innocent blood. The LORD swore that the house of David would be laid waste, and that no man of Coniah’s line would prosper on David’s throne.

Jesus is the true King from David’s line. He never did wrong, and He loved the poor and the needy. At the cross He died in their place, bearing the judgment that unjust rulers deserved. God raised Him from the dead, and He reigns forever in righteousness. His work is enough for every believer who trusts Him.

So turn from your injustice and your sin, and trust the true King. Ask Him to make you a person who loves what is right. Whoever turns to Jesus in faith will be forgiven, and He will never send that person away.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD judges unjust kings, and that Jesus is the true King who reigns in righteousness. Parents, you may want to explain verses 13 to 17 gently, since they describe injustice and unpaid wages. Please do not assume they are saved because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, the true King.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for the true King who reigns in righteousness, and bring the heart question to Him. Let any child who wishes say a short prayer.

He will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.

Psalms 72:2

Lord, You love justice, and You judge every unjust ruler. Forgive us for the injustice and the sin in our hearts. Thank You for Jesus, the true King, who did what is right and reigns in righteousness. Help us to love what is right and to trust Him this week. Amen.