saying, 'Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David--you and your officials and your people who enter these gates. Hear the word of the LORDThis phrase is a divine summons, a call to attention that demands reverence and obedience. The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just listening but also understanding and acting upon what is heard. In the biblical context, hearing God's word is a covenantal act, reminding the king and the people of their relationship with God and their obligation to follow His commandments. This call to "hear" is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, emphasizing the importance of heeding God's voice amidst the noise of political and social turmoil. O king of Judah
The address to the "king of Judah" places the message in a specific historical and political context. The kings of Judah were descendants of David, and their rule was supposed to reflect God's justice and righteousness. The mention of the king underscores the responsibility of leadership in guiding the nation according to God's laws. Historically, this period was marked by political instability and moral decline, making the king's role even more critical. The king is reminded of his duty to lead with integrity and to uphold the covenant with God. who sits on the throne of David
This phrase evokes the Davidic covenant, a promise from God that David's lineage would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16). The "throne of David" symbolizes not just political authority but also a spiritual legacy. It is a reminder of the ideal kingship that David represented—a kingship characterized by faithfulness to God. The throne is not merely a seat of power but a symbol of divine appointment and responsibility. The king is called to emulate David's heart for God, ensuring that his reign aligns with divine purposes. you and your officials and your people
The inclusion of "officials" and "people" broadens the scope of the message, indicating that the responsibility to heed God's word extends beyond the king to all levels of society. The Hebrew term for "officials" is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which can also mean servants, highlighting their role in executing the king's policies. The people, "עָם" (am), are the nation of Judah, collectively accountable for their response to God's word. This communal aspect underscores the biblical principle that leaders and followers alike are bound by the covenant and must work together to uphold God's standards. who enter these gates
The "gates" refer to the city gates of Jerusalem, a place of judgment and decision-making in ancient times. Gates were central to the life of the city, serving as places where legal matters were settled and where prophets often delivered their messages. The phrase implies that all who enter the city are under the jurisdiction of God's word. It is a call to recognize that every aspect of civic life should be governed by divine principles. The gates symbolize the entry point to a life lived under God's rule, a reminder that His presence permeates every corner of the community. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahThe prophet delivering God's message. Known for his role in warning Judah of impending judgment due to their disobedience. 2. King of JudahThe reigning monarch at the time, representing the leadership of God's chosen people. The king is a descendant of David, highlighting the Davidic covenant. 3. Throne of DavidSymbolizes the enduring promise God made to David regarding his lineage and the throne, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership. 4. OfficialsThe leaders and advisors who assist the king in governing. Their actions and decisions significantly impact the nation's spiritual and moral direction. 5. People of JudahThe inhabitants of Judah, who are called to heed God's word and follow His commandments. Their collective response to God's message is crucial. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are accountable to God for their actions and decisions. They must lead with integrity and righteousness, as they are stewards of God's people. The Importance of Listening to God's WordBoth leaders and followers must be attentive to God's message. Ignoring His word leads to spiritual and moral decay. The Role of ProphetsProphets are God's messengers, tasked with delivering His word. Their messages often call for repentance and a return to God's ways. Covenant FaithfulnessGod's promises are enduring, but they require faithfulness from His people. The Davidic covenant is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the expectation of obedience. Collective ResponsibilityWhile leaders have a significant role, the people also bear responsibility for their response to God's word. A nation's spiritual health depends on both its leaders and its citizens. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the king of Judah in Jeremiah 22:2 reflect the responsibilities of modern-day leaders in both religious and secular contexts? 2. In what ways can we, as individuals, ensure that we are listening to and applying God's word in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of covenant faithfulness in Jeremiah 22:2 relate to the promises and expectations God has for us today? 4. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophets like Jeremiah in holding leaders accountable to God's standards? 5. How can we, as a community of believers, support our leaders in maintaining integrity and righteousness in their leadership? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7This passage outlines God's covenant with David, promising that his throne will be established forever. Jeremiah 22:2 reminds the king of Judah of this covenant and the responsibility it entails. Deuteronomy 17Provides guidelines for kings, emphasizing the need for them to follow God's law. Jeremiah's message serves as a reminder of these divine expectations. 1 Kings 9God's warning to Solomon about the consequences of disobedience. This parallels the warning given to the king of Judah in Jeremiah 22:2. People Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, ShallumPlaces Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, LebanonTopics David, David's, Doors, Ear, Enter, Gates, Judah, O, Officials, Seat, Seated, Servants, Sit, Sits, Sittest, Sitting, ThroneDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 22:2 5581 throne Jeremiah 22:1-6 5437 palaces Jeremiah 22:2-3 5448 poverty, attitudes to Library The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
Mr. James Mitchel[152] was educated at the university of Edinburgh, and was, with some other of his fellow-students, made master of arts anno 1656. Mr. Robert Leighton (afterwards bishop Leighton), being then principal of that college, before the degree was conferred upon them, tendered to them the national and solemn league and covenant; which covenants, upon mature deliberation, he took, finding nothing in them but a short compend of the moral law, binding to our duty towards God and towards …
John Howie—Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)Columban.
THE wild districts of Ireland were occupied with convents, after the example of Patrick, and cultivated by the hard labour of the monks. The Irish convents were distinguished by their strict Christian discipline, their diligence and their zeal in the study of the Scriptures, and of science in general, as far as they had the means of acquiring it. Irish monks brought learning from Britain and Gaul, they treasured up this learning and elaborated it in the solitude of the convent, and they are said …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the Law of Our God, Ye People of Gomorrah,"
Isaiah i. 10, 11, &c.--"Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah," &c. It is strange to think what mercy is mixed with the most wrath like strokes and threatenings. There is no prophet whose office and commission is only for judgment, nay, to speak the truth, it is mercy that premises threatenings. The entering of the law, both in the commands and curses, is to make sin abound, that grace may superabound, so that both rods and threatenings …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness, we Lie,"
1 John i. 6.--"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie," &c. That which is the sum of religion, sincerity, and a correspondency between profession and practice, is confirmed by reason, and much strengthened by nature itself, so that religion, reason, and nature, conspire in one, to hold out the beauty and comeliness of sincerity, and to put a note and character of infamy and deformity upon all hypocrisy and deceit, especially in the matters of religion. There is …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Two Classes.
"Two men went up into the temple to pray."--Luke xvii. 10. I now want to speak of two classes: First, those who do not feel their need of a Saviour who have not been convinced of sin by the Spirit; and Second, those who are convinced of sin and cry, "What must I do to be saved?" All inquirers can be ranged under two heads: they have either the spirit of the Pharisee, or the spirit of the publican. If a man having the spirit of the Pharisee comes into an after-meeting, I know of no better portion …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jewish Homes
It may be safely asserted, that the grand distinction, which divided all mankind into Jews and Gentiles, was not only religious, but also social. However near the cities of the heathen to those of Israel, however frequent and close the intercourse between the two parties, no one could have entered a Jewish town or village without feeling, so to speak, in quite another world. The aspect of the streets, the building and arrangement of the houses, the municipal and religious rule, the manners and customs …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 22:2 NIVJeremiah 22:2 NLTJeremiah 22:2 ESVJeremiah 22:2 NASBJeremiah 22:2 KJV
Jeremiah 22:2 Commentaries
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