Add parallel Print Page Options

13 How terrible for Jehoiakim, who builds his house with corruption
    and his upper chambers with injustice,
        working his countrymen for nothing,
        refusing to give them their wages.
14 He says, “I’ll build myself a grand palace,
    with huge upper chambers,
        ornate windows,
        cedar paneling,
        and rich red decor.”
15 Is this what makes you a king,
    having more cedar than anyone else?
Didn’t your father eat and drink
    and still do what was just and right?
Then it went well for him!
16     He defended the rights of the poor and needy;
        then it went well.
Isn’t that what it means to know me?
    declares the Lord.
17 But you set your eyes and heart
    on nothing but unjust gain;
    you spill the blood of the innocent;
        you practice cruelty;
        you oppress your subjects.

18 Therefore, this is what the Lord says to Jehoiakim son of Judah’s King Josiah:

They won’t grieve for him, saying, “My brother, my sister!”
    They won’t grieve for him, saying, “My master, my majesty!”
19 They will give him a donkey’s burial,
    dragging him outside the gates of Jerusalem
        and dumping him there.

20 Go up to Lebanon and cry out,
    lift up your voice in Bashan,
    cry out from Abarim,
        because all your lovers have been ravished.
21 I spoke to you when you felt safe and secure,
    but you said, “I won’t listen.”
You have been that way since your youth:
    not listening to a word I say.
22 Your shepherds will be tossed to the wind,
    your lovers taken off to exile.
Then you will be embarrassed and humiliated
    by all your wickedness.
23 You who live in Lebanon,
        nestled in cedar,
    who will pity you[a]
        when you are overcome in pain,
        like that of childbirth?

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 22:23 Heb uncertain

Bible Gateway Recommends

CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible: Celebrate Wonder Edition
CEB Deep Blue Kids Bible: Celebrate Wonder Edition
Retail: $32.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $9.00 (27%)
CEB Pew Bible Navy
CEB Pew Bible Navy
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $11.69
Save: $1.30 (10%)
The CEB Student Bible--Limited Edition
The CEB Student Bible--Limited Edition
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $33.49
Save: $11.50 (26%)