Jeremiah 22:16

16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy. Everything went well for him. Isn't this what it means to know me?" asks 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 will build a large house for myself with big upper rooms.' He cuts out windows in it, panels the rooms with cedar, and paints them red.
15 Do you think you're a better king than others because you use more cedar? Your father ate and drank and did what is fair and right. Everything went well for him.
16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy. Everything went well for him. Isn't this what it means to know me?" asks the LORD.
17 "But your eyes and your mind are set on nothing but dishonest profits. You kill innocent people and violently oppress your people."
18 This is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim, son of Judah's King Josiah: People won't mourn for him and say, "How horrible it is for my brother and sister!" They won't mourn for him and say, "How horrible it is for my master and his splendor!"
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