Jeremiah 22:17

17 But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, ¹for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence."

Jeremiah 22:17 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 22:17

But thine eyes and thine heart [are] not but for thy
covetousness
He was wholly intent upon gratifying that lust; his heart was meditating, contriving, and forming schemes for that purpose; and his eyes were looking out here and there for proper objects and opportunities to exercise it: and for to shed innocent blood;
in order to get their money, goods, and possessions into his hands; avarice often leads to murder: and for oppression, and for violence, to do [it];
by making incursions, and seizing upon the properties of men, and converting them to his own use; so true it is, that covetousness, or the love of money, is the root of all evil, ( 1 Timothy 6:10 ) .

Jeremiah 22:17 In-Context

15 Do you think you are a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.

16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD.

17 But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence."

18 Therefore thus says the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: "They shall not lament for him, saying, 'Ah, my brother!' or 'Ah, sister!' They shall not lament for him, saying, 'Ah, lord!' or 'Ah, his majesty!'

19 With the burial of a donkey he shall be buried, dragged and dumped beyond the gates of Jerusalem."

Cross References

• 1. ver. 3; [Jeremiah 26:15]