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Daily Devotions

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 
Day 
Day 254

"Then it was well with him"

Text: Jeremiah 22:15

ADDRESSING THE KINGS FIRMLY

The kings were not guiltless in the exploitation of workers. Some kings had “forced labour” to build their palatial homes!

“‘Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar?
Did not your father eat and drink,
And do justice and righteousness?
Then it was well with him.
He judged the cause of the poor and needy;
Then it was well.
Was not this knowing Me?’ says the LORD.
‘Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness,
For shedding innocent blood,
And practicing oppression and violence.'”
Jeremiah 22:15-17

1. “Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink,
and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.”

a) The reign of the king.

i) Many kings like palatial homes.

ii) Their homes used the majestic cedar for panelling work.

iii) Many imagine that they can continue to reign because of their wealth and their inherited authority as kings.

b) The example of a good king.

i) He was called “your father”.

ii) It would be a general reference to good and godly fathers who ruled well.

c) They were focused on upholding justice and righteousness.

d) The consequences: “Then it was well with him”.

e) God blessed their life and reign!

2. “‘He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well.
Was not this knowing Me?’ says the LORD.”

a) The poor and needy came to seek justice from the king.

b) He judged their cause.

i) The oppressors could not bully further.

ii) Their righteous cause was upheld.

c) This was truly knowing the LORD!

3. “Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness,
for shedding innocent blood, and practicing oppression and violence”

a) The present king ruling the land was addressed.

b) His eyes and heart:

i) They were covetous.

ii) They thought nothing of shedding (innocent) blood.

iii) They practised oppression.

iv) And with oppression came violence.

How could God bless the life and reign of such kings?