22:15-17
These verse point out the difference between what a real king is like, and what an imitation of a king is like. The former focuses on doing what is right and just, the latter focuses on the trappings of being a king. When a king focuses on what matters to God he will have all he needs and more. Things will go well with him as he defends the needs of the poor. This is consistent with Jesus’ teaching when He said “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” (Matt 6:33), and Jesus taught about true leaders and truly great people being those who served others.
Conversely, the recent rulers of Judah had eyes set only on dishonest gain, on feathering their own nest. And they were prepared to shed innocent blood in order to get that and were quite happy to use oppression and extortion.
The immediate comparison is between Jehoiakim and Josiah.
22:18,19
People still mourned for Josiah, for he had been a good king, one who sought to restore righteousness to Judah. Jehoiakim was far from being a good king, and he would not be remembered, certainly not with any fondness nor admiration. Instead the people would be glad when he was gone. He would have the “burial of a donkey” rather than the burial of a king.
No comments:
Post a Comment