Jeremiah 22:17

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.

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 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!"

19 They will give him a donkey's burial, dragging him outside the gates of Jerusalem and dumping him there.