Jeremiah 22:16

16 He decided the cause of the poor and needy, Then [it is] well -- is it not to know Me? An affirmation of Jehovah.

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 Who is saying, `I build for myself a large house, And airy upper chambers,' And he hath cut out for himself its windows, Ceiled with cedar, and painted with vermillion.

15 Dost thou reign, because thou art fretting thyself in cedar? Thy father -- did he not eat and drink? Yea, he did judgment and righteousness, Then [it is] well with him.

16 He decided the cause of the poor and needy, Then [it is] well -- is it not to know Me? An affirmation of Jehovah.

17 But thine eyes and thy heart are not, Except on thy dishonest gain, And on shedding of innocent blood, And on oppression, and on doing of violence.

18 Therefore, thus said Jehovah concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: They do not lament for him, Ah, my brother, and Ah, sister, They do not lament for him, Ah, lord, and Ah, his honour.