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11 This is what the Lord says about Jehoahaz [L Shallum; C ruled 597 bc; 2 Kin. 23:31–33] son of Josiah who became king of Judah after his father left this place [C died]: “He will never return. 12 He will die where he has been taken ·captive [into exile], and he will not see this land again.”

Judgment Against Jehoiakim

13 “·How terrible it will be for one [Woe to the one; C King Jehoiakim (605–597 bc), placed on the throne by the Egyptian pharaoh to replace his brother Jehoahaz; 2 Kin. 23:34] who builds his ·palace [L house] by ·doing evil [L unrighteousness],
    ·who cheats people so he can build its upper rooms [his upper rooms without justice].
He makes his ·own people [L neighbors] work for nothing
    and does not pay them.
14 He says, ‘I will build a ·great palace [L spacious house] for myself
    with large upper rooms.’
So he ·builds it with [cuts out] large windows
    and uses cedar wood for the ·walls [panels],
    which he paints ·red [vermilion].

15 “Does having a lot of cedar [C in your house]
    make you a great king?
·Your father was satisfied to [L Did not your father…?; C Josiah, a godly king] have food and drink.
    He did what was right and fair,
    so everything went well for him.
16 He ·helped [L judged the cause of] those who were poor and needy,
    so everything went well for him.
·That is what it [L Is this not what it…?] means to know ·God [L me],”
    says the Lord.
17 “But ·you only look for and think about [L your eyes and your heart are on]
    what you can get dishonestly.
You are even willing to ·kill innocent people [L pour out innocent blood] to get it.
    You feel free to ·hurt [oppress] people and to steal from them.”

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