Reaching Out to Those in Need
July 1, 2020
Commentary
Jeremiah says that in those days they even had trouble with rulers wasting money in an extravagant way on their own private homes (vv. 13,14). When the nation of Judah was bankrupt and deep in trouble, king Jehoiakim used his power to force unpaid Jewish slave labor to build him a palace! Jeremiah says “Because you can build a bigger house than anyone else, do you think that is what makes you a king (v. 15). Then he reminded him that his father King Josiah lived comfortably and still did what was just and right. Josiah defended the cause of the poor, and God blessed him, but Jehoiakim thought only of himself (v. 16). It didn’t worry him that God watched as he robbed the poor, killed the innocent, and oppressed the just (v. 17).
Because of Jehoiakim’s heavy-handed oppression, the people would not mourn for him at his death (v. 18). Instead of the lavish funeral normally given a monarch, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah predicted, would have the burial of a donkey (v. 19). Because of Jehoiakim’s foolishness Jeremiah called on the city of Jerusalem to lament her fate (v. 20). God had warned Jerusalem of the consequences of disobedience when she felt secure, but she refused to listen (v. 21). Now she could only watch in sorrow as her shepherds (kings) were taken away and her allies (possibly the Egyptians) also faced exile (v. 22). So much cedar had been imported to Jerusalem from Lebanon (Jer. 22:6-7, 13-15) that living in Jerusalem was like dwelling among Lebanon’s cedars (v. 23). Yet those living there would groan when the pangs of God’s judgment came on them like a woman with labor pains.
Application
Jehoiakim wasn’t much different from some modern politicians who profit from dishonest gain while they ignore the cries of the poor and needy. Lord, help me to never get so concerned with the things of this world that I neglect to reach out to those who are in need.
Jeremiah 22:13– 23 (NET)
13 “‘Sure to be judged is the king who builds his palace using injustice and treats people unfairly while adding its upper rooms. He makes his countrymen work for him for nothing. He does not pay them for their labor.
14 He says, “I will build myself a large palace with spacious upper rooms.” He cuts windows in its walls, panels it with cedar, and paints its rooms red.
15 Does it make you any more of a king that you outstrip everyone else in building with cedar? Just think about your father. He was content that he had food and drink. He did what was just and right. So things went well with him.
16 He upheld the cause of the poor and needy. So things went well for Judah.’ The Lord says, ‘That is a good example of what it means to know me.
17 But you are always thinking and looking for ways to increase your wealth by dishonest means. Your eyes and your heart are set on killing some innocent person and committing fraud and oppression.’”
18 So the Lord has this to say about Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim of Judah: “People will not mourn for him, saying, ‘This makes me sad, my brother! This makes me sad, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him, saying, ‘Poor, poor lord! Poor, poor majesty!’
19 He will be left unburied just like a dead donkey. His body will be dragged off and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem.
20 “People of Jerusalem, go up to Lebanon and cry out in mourning. Go to the land of Bashan and cry out loudly. Cry out in mourning from the mountains of Moab. For your allies have all been defeated.
21 While you were feeling secure I gave you warning. But you said, ‘I refuse to listen to you.’ That is the way you have acted from your earliest history onward. Indeed, you have never paid attention to me.
22 My judgment will carry off all your leaders like a storm wind! Your allies will go into captivity. Then you will certainly be disgraced and put to shame because of all the wickedness you have done.
23 You may feel as secure as a bird nesting in the cedars of Lebanon. But O how you will groan when the pains of judgment come on you. They will be like those of a woman giving birth to a baby.”
Illustration: Pride And Selfishness Crowds Out The Spirit of God
D.L. Moody said,
“I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled.” (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).