Jeremiah 22:2

2 Say, 'Listen to what God says, O King of Judah, you who sit on David's throne - you and your officials and all the people who go in and out of these palace gates.

Jeremiah 22:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 22:2

And say, hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah
O Jehoiakim king of Judah, hear the word of the King of kings; listen to it, and obey it, as kings ought to do; and it is for their good, as well as it is their duty, so to do: that sittest upon the throne of David;
whom he mentions, to put him in mind of his illustrious ancestor, whose successor he was, that he might be prompted to follow his example: thou, and thy servants, and that people that enter in by these gates;
the king and his courtiers, his nobles and privy counsellors, that were continually waiting upon him, and were frequently passing and repassing the gates of the palace; for not the gates of the court in the temple are meant, as Kimchi suggests; and all other people, that either waited on or came to the king, upon business, with their suits, and to have their causes heard and tried.

Jeremiah 22:2 In-Context

1 God's orders: "Go to the royal palace and deliver this Message.

2 Say, 'Listen to what God says, O King of Judah, you who sit on David's throne - you and your officials and all the people who go in and out of these palace gates.

3 This is God's Message: Attend to matters of justice. Set things right between people. Rescue victims from their exploiters. Don't take advantage of the homeless, the orphans, the widows. Stop the murdering!

4 "'If you obey these commands, then kings who follow in the line of David will continue to go in and out of these palace gates mounted on horses and riding in chariots - they and their officials and the citizens of Judah.

5 But if you don't obey these commands, then I swear - God's Decree! - this palace will end up a heap of rubble.'"