Read: Jeremiah 22:1-23:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Psalm 83:1-18; Proverbs 25:11-14
In this chapter Jeremiah is addressing the last four kings of Judah who were all kin to Josiah and all wicked: Shallum or Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedikiah. He addressed them as kings who oppressed the foreigners living among them and the fatherless and the widow. They all shed innocent blood which is the blood of children and babies. God was preparing destroyers to come against them and all would know it happened because they forsook the covenant they made with the Lord and worshiped other gods and served them.
Jeremiah said that Jehoiakim would be taken into captivity and never again see Jerusalem in his lifetime. God reminded Jehoiakim of his father Josiah who ruled with justice and righteousness. He judged the poor and needy and fought for them. Jehoiakim would die away from Jerusalem and no one would be sad.
Jehoiakim’s successors would not care for the people and they will be taken into captivity. God would bring his people back one day and set a king over them who does care for them. Then they will prosper. God will raise up his king to reign and he will be wise, just and righteous. Judah will be saved and Israel will rest in peace.
The day is coming when people will no longer call his people the one God brought out of Egypt, but the one God brought out of the countries he has scattered them.
Jeremiah gave a word to the prophets who no longer gave his words. They had become adulterers who went after other gods and forsook the Lord. God would bring disaster upon them. They prophesied by Baal and led the people astray. The prophets of Jerusalem walked in lies and encouraged the evil people to continue sinning. Jeremiah told the people not to listen to these prophets who filled them with vain hope. They were not speaking God’s words and what they were saying would not come to pass. They prophesied peace when God was saying destruction.
Paul wrote a second letter to the church in Thessalonica praising them for their continued growth of faith. Paul had boasted about them to the other churches because they stood firm in the midst of persecution. He reminded them of the reward they would receive from God and the eternal punishment their enemies would face. He prayed that the name of Christ would always be glorified through their lives.
Lord, we pray that also that your name would be glorified through our lives. May we walk steadfast, unmoveable in our faith. Thank you for the grace to do this.
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