◄ Jeremiah 22:15 ►
Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him.
Study Bible
Does it make you a king to excel in cedar?

This phrase addresses the superficial measures of kingship, specifically the use of cedar, a valuable and luxurious wood often used in royal buildings and palaces (1 Kings 7:2-3). The rhetorical question challenges the notion that material wealth and opulence define true leadership. In the ancient Near East, cedar was a symbol of power and prestige, often imported from Lebanon. The prophet Jeremiah critiques King Jehoiakim's focus on lavishness rather than the qualities that truly define a righteous king. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God values justice and righteousness over external appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).

2Sa 7:2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am”…
1Ki 7:2-3 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon…

Did not your father have food and drink?

This phrase refers to King Josiah, Jehoiakim's father, who is remembered for his piety and reforms (2 Kings 22-23). The mention of "food and drink" symbolizes basic needs and contentment, suggesting that Josiah's reign was marked by sufficiency and satisfaction without excessive luxury. Josiah's focus was on spiritual and moral reform rather than material excess, aligning with the covenantal values of the Torah. This serves as a reminder that true prosperity comes from faithfulness to God's commands rather than indulgence in wealth.

Deu 17:16-17 But the king must not acquire many horses for himself…
Pro 30:8-9 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me.…

He administered justice and righteousness,

Josiah's administration is highlighted for its commitment to justice and righteousness, key themes in the prophetic literature (Micah 6:8). These qualities are central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the king's role as a shepherd of the people, ensuring fairness and protection for the vulnerable (Psalm 72:1-4). The administration of justice and righteousness is a reflection of God's own character and is a requirement for leaders in Israel (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). This phrase underscores the biblical principle that leadership is validated by moral integrity and social responsibility.

2Sa 8:15 Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice…
Psa 72:1-4 Endow the king with Your justice, O God,…

and so it went well with him.

The positive outcome of Josiah's reign is attributed to his adherence to justice and righteousness. This reflects the Deuteronomic principle of blessings for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Josiah's reforms and his dedication to the covenant brought peace and stability to the kingdom, demonstrating the connection between righteous leadership and national well-being. This serves as a prophetic warning to Jehoiakim and future leaders that prosperity is contingent upon faithfulness to God's standards, not merely political or economic strategies.

Deu 6:18 Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD,…
Psa 128:1-2 A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Jehoiakim
The king of Judah during the time of Jeremiah's prophecy. Known for his oppressive reign and disregard for justice.

3. Josiah
The father of Jehoiakim, remembered as a righteous king who sought to follow God's laws and led significant religious reforms in Judah.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to its leaders' and people's unfaithfulness to God.

5. Cedar
A symbol of wealth and luxury, often used in the construction of palaces and temples, representing earthly power and materialism.
Teaching Points
The True Measure of Leadership
Leadership is not defined by material wealth or grandeur but by the pursuit of justice and righteousness. Jehoiakim's focus on luxury is contrasted with Josiah's righteous reign.

Legacy of Righteousness
Josiah's legacy of justice and righteousness brought prosperity and peace. Our actions today can leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Misplaced Priorities
The pursuit of material wealth and status can lead to neglecting God's commands. We must evaluate our priorities to ensure they align with God's will.

Justice and Righteousness as Foundations
A society or community thrives when justice and righteousness are prioritized. These are foundational to God's kingdom and should be central in our lives.

Reflecting on Personal Conduct
Like Josiah, we are called to live lives that reflect God's justice and righteousness. This involves daily decisions and actions that honor God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of Josiah's reign challenge our understanding of what it means to be successful or prosperous?

2. In what ways can we prioritize justice and righteousness in our personal lives and communities today?

3. How does the pursuit of material wealth and status impact our relationship with God and others?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our leadership or influence reflects God's values?

5. How can we leave a legacy of righteousness for future generations, similar to Josiah's impact on Judah?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 10:27
This verse highlights the abundance of cedar during Solomon's reign, symbolizing prosperity. It contrasts with Jeremiah 22:15, where cedar is used to critique misplaced priorities.

Micah 6:8
This verse emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and humility, aligning with the call for righteousness in Jeremiah 22:15.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, which parallels the message of prioritizing justice and righteousness over material wealth in Jeremiah 22:15.
Sermons
Truth-Speaking Under DifficultiesA.F. Muir Jeremiah 22:1-23
A Right Aim Pursued by a Wrong and Cruel MethodD. Young Jeremiah 22:13-19
Son and Father: a Sad ContrastS. Conway Jeremiah 22:13-19
God's Expostulation with JehoiakimJob Orion, D. D.Jeremiah 22:15-16
True RoyaltyA.F. Muir Jeremiah 22:15, 16
People
Babylonians, Coniah, David, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Shallum
Places
Abarim, Babylon, Bashan, Gilead, Jerusalem, Lebanon
Topics
Cedar, Closest, Compete, Competing, Didn't, Drink, Eat, Excel, Fretting, Judging, Judgment, Justice, Reign, Righteousness, Strive, Strivest, Thyself, Viest, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 22:11-15

     4424   cedar

Jeremiah 22:13-16

     5361   justice, human

Jeremiah 22:13-17

     5437   palaces

Jeremiah 22:13-19

     9250   woe

Jeremiah 22:15-17

     5293   defence, human

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 22:15 NIV
Jeremiah 22:15 NLT
Jeremiah 22:15 ESV
Jeremiah 22:15 NASB
Jeremiah 22:15 KJV

Jeremiah 22:15 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Jeremiah 22:14
Top of Page
Top of Page