1. Jeremiah 22:2 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

How is the king of Judah supposed to rule?

Jeremiah 22:2 (ESV)

2 and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates.

The Lord sends Jeremiah to go down to the house of the king of Judah and speak there this word, and say, ’Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people who enter these gates (Jeremiah 22:1–2). The king of Judah is still the primary target of the Lord’s words. As before in Jeremiah 21:11–14, these words would have applied to any of the kings, but the context makes it clear that Zedekiah is the particular focus. The pattern of  Jeremiah 21:11–14 is repeated in Jeremiah 22:1–9. The Lord speaks to the king who sits on the throne of David ( Jeremiah 22:1–2). He warns the king to rule with justice (Jeremiah 22:3) and then he describes the judgment that comes when kings fail (Jeremiah 22:4–9). This word, however, is not just for the king and his household, but for the people too who enter these gates. The people cannot claim immunity from the Lord’s judgment because the king has failed. They have played a significant role in putting him on the throne and they have willingly followed his rule.

The covenant standard for the king’s rule is once again set by describing him as sitting on the throne of David. His primary responsibility as king is to Do justice and righteousness and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. The Hebrew word mispat, translated as justice refers to the covenant laws and statutes and the word sedaqa, translated as righteousness refers to that which is right.1 The king had to ensure that justice was done for all, especially those who were oppressed. This justice was to extend even to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow. The king must guarantee protection and justice for the most vulnerable in Israel (see Exodus 22:21–26; Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 19:33–34; Deuteronomy 10:18–19; Deuteronomy 24:17). He must ensure that innocent blood was not shed in the land. This probably refers to making sure that the justice system was not abused to punish the innocent. It may also have reference to child sacrifice that had reared its ugly head in Judah.