Jeremiah 22:16

16 He defended the rights of the poor and needy; then it went well. Isn't that what it means to know me? declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 22:16 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 22:16

He judged the cause of the poor and needy
Who could not defend themselves against the rich and the mighty; he took their cause in hand, and, having heard it, determined it in their favour, and did them justice, as princes and civil magistrates ought to do: then [it was] well [with him];
this is repeated, not only to show the certainty of it, but that it might be observed, and his example followed: [was] not this to know me? saith the Lord;
it is not by words only, but by deeds, that men show that they know the Lord; for some in words profess to know him, who in works deny him; when princes do the duty of their office, they thereby declare that they know and own the Lord, by, and under whom, they reign; that they have the fear of him before their eyes; this is a practical knowledge of him, and is well pleasing to him. The Targum is,

``is not this the knowledge with which I am well pleased? saith the Lord.''

Jeremiah 22:16 In-Context

14 He says, "I'll build myself a grand palace, with huge upper chambers, ornate windows, cedar paneling, and rich red decor."
15 Is this what makes you a king, having more cedar than anyone else? Didn't your father eat and drink and still do what was just and right? Then it went well for him!
16 He defended the rights of the poor and needy; then it went well. Isn't that what it means to know me? declares the LORD.
17 But you set your eyes and heart on nothing but unjust gain; you spill the blood of the innocent; you practice cruelty; you oppress your subjects.
18 Therefore, this is what the LORD says to Jehoiakim son of Judah's King Josiah: They won't grieve for him, saying, "My brother, my sister!" They won't grieve for him, saying, "My master, my majesty!"
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