Chapter Summary

Message to Zedekiah, concluded. The King exhorted to execute judgment.

Discussion Questions for Jeremiah, Chapter 22

1. Justice is major theme in this chapter and through all of Jeremiah. Some groups mentioned here are also specified in James 1:27. How does the church specifically care for the orphan and the widow? Who are the "strangers" mentioned? How do we minister to the strangers around us today?
2. How many times does the word "cedars" occur in the chapter? What is the importance of cedar wood for the city of Jerusalem? Why is it framed as something terrible that these trees will be destroyed?
3. Who does the Lord command his people to not weep for in verse 10? Why is it considered mournful for Shallum (King Jehoahaz) to leave the land and not return? What is the historical and theological significance of the land which Israel inhabits? How is the land surrounding Jerusalem connected with the Israelite's relationship with God?
4. What is the relevance of "David's place on his throne" (v.4, NASB) according to 2 Samuel 7:12-16? Is that covenant broken if this King of Judah is disobedient? How is the promise of 2 Samuel 7 ultimately fulfilled if the line of kings in Judah is broken?
5. One of the many injustices the king commits is that he does not pay his workers (v.13a). Whether we are the employer or the worker, how can we honor God in our work and business dealings?
6. What was specifically wrong with the opulence of King Jehoiakim? How can comfort and wealth become an idol that we serve instead of God?
7. In verse 21, what reason is given for Jehoiakim constantly refusing to follow after God? What are some conclusions we can take from both this king's life and Jesus said about the rich in Matthew 19:23-30?
8. Gilead, Lebanon, Bashan, and Abarim are cities referenced throughout the chapter. Are these cities in the Southern or Northern Kingdom of Israel and why is their location relevant to the warning of judgment being pronounced in chapter 22?
9. According to 2 Kings 23:28-36, how are King Shallum (Jehoahaz) and King Coniah (Jehoiakim) related to one another? How did Jehoiakim become king after Shallum (Jehoahaz)? How does this manner of the changing of the guard relate to God's anger toward King Coniah? What are some things you are tempted to rely on besides God? (Ex: money, family, the Kingdom of Egypt)
10. Verse 10 makes a proclamation to "not weep for the dead or mourn for him, but weep deeply for the one who goes away" (NASB). How does this verse in this context of pending exile compare to Luke 12:4-5?

Key Words/Phrase

Desolations, v. 5.

Characters

God, Zedekiah, Shallum, Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Coniah, Nebuchadnezzar.

Strong Verse(s)

13, 29.