‏ Jeremiah 22

* Justice is recommended, and destruction threatened in case of

disobedience. (1-9) The captivity of Jehoiakim, and the end of

Jeconiah. (10-19) The doom of the royal family. (20-30)

1-9 The king of Judah is spoken to, as sitting upon the throne

of David, the man after God's own heart. Let him follow his

example, that he may have the benefit of the promises made to

him. The way to preserve a government, is to do the duty of it.

But sin will be the ruin of the houses of princes, as well as of

meaner men. And who can contend with destroyers of God's

preparing? God destroys neither persons, cities, nor nations,

except for sin; even in this world he often makes it plain for

what crimes he sends punishment; and it will be clear at the day

of judgement. 10-19 Here is a sentence of death upon two kings, the wicked

sons of a very pious father. Josiah was prevented from seeing

the evil to come in this world, and removed to see the good to

come in the other world; therefore, weep not for him, but for

his son Shallum, who is likely to live and die a wretched

captive. Dying saints may be justly envied, while living sinners

are justly pitied. Here also is the doom of Jehoiakim. No doubt

it is lawful for princes and great men to build, beautify, and

furnish houses; but those who enlarge their houses, and make

them sumptuous, need carefully to watch against the workings of

vain-glory. He built his houses by unrighteousness, with money

gotten unjustly. And he defrauded his workmen of their wages.

God notices the wrong done by the greatest to poor servants and

labourers, and will repay those in justice, who will not, in

justice, pay those whom they employ. The greatest of men must

look upon the meanest as their neighbours, and be just to them

accordingly. Jehoiakim was unjust, and made no conscience of

shedding innocent blood. Covetousness, which is the root of all

evil, was at the bottom of all. The children who despise their

parents' old fashions, commonly come short of their real

excellences. Jehoiakim knew that his father found the way of

duty to be the way of comfort, yet he would not tread in his

steps. He shall die unlamented, hateful for oppression and

cruelty. 20-30 The Jewish state is described under a threefold

character. Very haughty in a day of peace and safety. Very

fearful on alarm of trouble. Very much cast down under pressure

of trouble. Many never are ashamed of their sins till brought by

them to the last extremity. The king shall close his days in

bondage. Those that think themselves as signets on God's right

hand, must not be secure, but fear lest they should be plucked

thence. The Jewish king and his family shall be carried to

Babylon. We know where we were born, but where we shall die we

know not; it is enough that our God knows. Let it be our care

that we die in Christ, then it will be well with us wherever we

die, thought it may be in a far country. The Jewish king shall

be despised. Time was when he was delighted in; but all those in

whom God has no pleasure, some time or other, will be so

lowered, that men will have no pleasure in them. Whoever are

childless, it is the Lord that writes them so; and those who

take no care to do good in their days, cannot expect to prosper.

How little is earthly grandeur to be depended upon, or

flourishing families to be rejoiced in! But those who hear the

voice of Christ, and follow him, have eternal life, and shall

never perish, neither shall any enemy pluck them out of his

almighty hands.