JEREMIAH 21, 22
In Chapter 21 the “siege” of Jerusalem begins. This chapter takes place during the last days of Jeremiah’s life. King Zedekiah, frightened at the approach of the Babylonian army, appeals to Jeremiah to intercede with God. Jeremiah advises Zedekiah to yield the city to the Babylonians, in order to save the people from death.The Pashhur mention here is not the same Pashhur (son of Immer) in 20:1. Zephanian, although the priest at the time, was not the same Zephaniah of the Minor Prophets. Zedekiah: last king of Judah (597 B.C. - 586 B.C.); the son of Josiah, the successor to Jehoiachin as king (2 Kings 24:17-20; 25:1-7; 2 Chronicles 36:10-13).
Josiah actually had three sons succeed him; Jehoahaz (Jeremiah 22:11, 12; 2 Kings 23:30-33); Eliakim, Pharaoh Necho changed his name to Jehoiakim, (2 Kings 23:34); Jehoiachin, was Josiah’s “grandson,” who reigned after his father Jehoiakim (2 Kings 24:6); Zedekiah his uncle reigned after him. Mattaniah, whose name was changed to Zedekiah by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, (2 Kings24:17). Mattaniah means: gift of Jehovah. Zedekiah means: righteousness of Jehovah or Justice of Jehovah. Zedekiah’s name was probably given in “mockery” of the God of Israel. Satan has always sought to make a mockery of God’s “gift!”
This is the Zedekiah we find seeking counsel from Jeremiah (read: v.2). Jeremiah’s answer was not the one they were looking for; they sought the “works” of God (v.2b), but were not willing to do the “will” of God! (read: v.3-10) Notice: (v.8, 9) As in Christ, God provided them a way in which they could escape His “wrath!” Next the Lord addresses the king, the house of David, the descendants of King David; “Zedekiah.” (read: v.11-14) Repentance and obedience (surrender) was their only path of “deliverance” from the judgment of God poised, just beyond their walls.
Lesson: Like many people who look to God as a “last” resort Zedekiah turns to the Lord for help; he turns to Jeremiah, the very one whom they had “despised.” Notice: Zedekiah sends the “priest” to Jeremiah; the “religious” crowd is at a “loss,” as to what to do; a form of godliness without true power is “useless” in a “real” crisis! We can call for moments of silence, religious pomp and ceremony, but when real life happens, we need a living God! Zedekiah by-passes the form of religion and seeks out the man who has a relationship with God!
The world will seek out “authentic” saints when “real” trouble comes. On September 14, 2001; at the Washington National Cathedral, Billy Graham was invited to speak a message of comfort and hope to an audience consisting of the president of the United States, members of Congress, dignitaries, and hundreds of others, while the nation looked on. In times of “crisis” we can give the world “Christ.” Therefore, “keep your powder dry,” be ready in season and out of season. In times of crisis that fellow “employee” who has been “mocking” you will seek you out! (1 Peter 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
CHAPTER 22
In this chapter we find a prophetic word regarding Zedekiah’s two other brothers and Zedekiah’s nephew, Josiah’s grandson, Jehoiachin (Coniah/Jeconiah); who also reigned
He warns the current King, possibly Zedekiah, to execute “justice,” (v.3-5). Although Israel was established as God’s place for abundance, Go would turn it into a “wilderness,” (read: v.6-10). In (v.11-12) the first brother of Zedekiah mentioned is Jehoahaz, also called Shallum. (read: v.11-12).
Jehoahaz: He was “deposed” by the Egyptian ruler Pharaoh-Necho, and carried away prisoner into Egypt; where he died in captivity; (2 Kings 23:33,34). (Easton's Bible Dictionary) Apparently there seem to have been a “pro” Jehoahaz campaign in Judah; some thought that Jehoahaz would return from Egypt to rescue the city; but God declares their hope is “futile,” (v.12). In the same way, the world’s “futile faith” in the anti- Christ, when he burst on to the scene, will not deliver this world from the “wrath” to come! Daniel prophesied he (anti-Christ) will bring about 3 ½ years of “pseudo-peace,” (Daniel 9:27).
(v.13-17) “injustice” is further condemned as the Lord declares: “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness…” To judge the cause of the poor and needy is evidence that we “know the Lord,” (v.16b). We have an obligation to hear the cry of the poor. (Black Forest Food Pantry) (Proverbs 21:13) Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. (v.17b) “covetousness” violates the “innocent,” “oppresses” the disadvantage, and practices “violence” against others. Number “ten” of the Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20:17a) "You shall not covet…”
The second brother mentioned here is Jehoiakim, (v.18-23) who like the rest of his brothers “did evil in the sight of the Lord.” (v.21) in “prosperity” they would not listen; but now Zedekiah seeks the counsel of God, (21:1). The nation had a “fire alarm” relationship with God, which is no “relationship” at all. (no spouse would settle for that). The just shall live by “faith,” consistently daily, not “abruptly” as “needed.”
(v.24-30) The last relative of Zedekiah mentioned here is Coniah, aka: Jeconiah/Jehoiachin – Josiah’s grandson and Zedekiah’s nephew; Zedekiah succeeded him (2 Kings 24:17).
(v.30) is an interesting verse; because if Coniah was cursed to be “childless,” in the sense of not having any “descendants” who would sit on the “Throne of David”; because, (1 Chron. 3:17) reveals Coniah had seven, possibly eight, children). This is interesting because Coniah is a “direct” descendant of King David; and the Messiah would be of the lineage of David. But how could the Messiah be delivered to the world through a lineage God had “cursed?” The answer is found in the two lineages of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew and Luke.
(ttt) Matthew 1. This is the lineage of “Joseph.” The descendants of Coniah, (v.12) (Jeconiah/Jehoiachin) had been “cursed,” none of his descendants would sit on the Throne of David; which God promised the Messiah. When Coniah was “cursed” the devil and his “demons” must have “celebrated!” (ttt) Luke 3. Joseph was the “stepfather” of Jesus. The phrase; “Joseph, the son of Heli” is interesting. In Matthew’s lineage Joseph is the son of “Jacob.” It doesn’t mean that Joseph had “two” daddies; the phrase, “the son of” should actually read “the son-in-law of.” Heli is mentioned here because most of the time only men were listed in the lineage of ancient Jewish families. Thus, Heli is the “father” of Mary, which “begins” Christ’s lineage in Luke; just as Jacob is the “father” of Joseph at the “end” of Christ’s lineage in Matthew. The woman satan “deceived” in the beginning God would use to “deliver” the promised Messiah to the world! (Isaiah 9:7) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Lesson: Despite the unfaithfulness of Israel and mankind in general, Christ came and has broken every “curse,” and is “now” seated at the right hand of the Father, forever as our High Priest and Intercessor. Just when satan thinks he has “won,” the “zeal” of the Lord denies him victory! Zeal means: “jealousy” or “envy.” God is jealous over His children; therefore, no demon, principality or power can deny us the “blessings” of God. Unbelief is the only limiting factor in our lives, because the “zeal” of the Lord has provided everything for us. Thus, Paul declared: Romans 8:31-39. Next week read ahead chapters 23-25.