Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Jeremiah Ch.22 / 52 Ch.s
JER:22
* Justice is recommended, and destruction threatened in case of
disobedience. (1-9) The captivity of Jehoiakim, and the end of
Jeconiah. (10-19) The doom of the royal family. (20-30)
#1-9 The king of Judah is spoken to, as sitting upon the throne
of David, the man after God's own heart. Let him follow his
example, that he may have the benefit of the promises made to
him. The way to preserve a government, is to do the duty of it.
But sin will be the ruin of the houses of princes, as well as of
meaner men. And who can contend with destroyers of God's
preparing? God destroys neither persons, cities, nor nations,
except for sin; even in this world he often makes it plain for
what crimes he sends punishment; and it will be clear at the day
of judgement.
#10-19 Here is a sentence of death upon two kings, the wicked
sons of a very pious father. Josiah was prevented from seeing
the evil to come in this world, and removed to see the good to
come in the other world; therefore, weep not for him, but for
his son Shallum, who is likely to live and die a wretched
captive. Dying saints may be justly envied, while living sinners
are justly pitied. Here also is the doom of Jehoiakim. No doubt
it is lawful for princes and great men to build, beautify, and
furnish houses; but those who enlarge their houses, and make
them sumptuous, need carefully to watch against the workings of
vain-glory. He built his houses by unrighteousness, with money
gotten unjustly. And he defrauded his workmen of their wages.
God notices the wrong done by the greatest to poor servants and
labourers, and will repay those in justice, who will not, in
justice, pay those whom they employ. The greatest of men must
look upon the meanest as their neighbours, and be just to them
accordingly. Jehoiakim was unjust, and made no conscience of
shedding innocent blood. Covetousness, which is the root of all
evil, was at the bottom of all. The children who despise their
parents' old fashions, commonly come short of their real
excellences. Jehoiakim knew that his father found the way of
duty to be the way of comfort, yet he would not tread in his
steps. He shall die unlamented, hateful for oppression and
cruelty.
#20-30 The Jewish state is described under a threefold
character. Very haughty in a day of peace and safety. Very
fearful on alarm of trouble. Very much cast down under pressure
of trouble. Many never are ashamed of their sins till brought by
them to the last extremity. The king shall close his days in
bondage. Those that think themselves as signets on God's right
hand, must not be secure, but fear lest they should be plucked
thence. The Jewish king and his family shall be carried to
Babylon. We know where we were born, but where we shall die we
know not; it is enough that our God knows. Let it be our care
that we die in Christ, then it will be well with us wherever we
die, thought it may be in a far country. The Jewish king shall
be despised. Time was when he was delighted in; but all those in
whom God has no pleasure, some time or other, will be so
lowered, that men will have no pleasure in them. Whoever are
childless, it is the Lord that writes them so; and those who
take no care to do good in their days, cannot expect to prosper.
How little is earthly grandeur to be depended upon, or
flourishing families to be rejoiced in! But those who hear the
voice of Christ, and follow him, have eternal life, and shall
never perish, neither shall any enemy pluck them out of his
almighty hands.