Jeremiah continues his prophecies in this chapter. Our passage recounts Jeremiah’s prophecies against wicked and unjust kings, with King Shallum—or Jehoahaz—being the first to receive this rebuke. His reign was relatively short, lasting just three months. He did evil in the sight of the Lord. Jeremiah prophesied against Jehoahaz, for his punishment was exile to Egypt. King Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt by Pharaoh Necho and died there. 

Next came King Jehoiakim (Elyakim). He, too, did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, just like his brother Jehoahaz. In Jeremiah’s prophecy, this king committed injustice by employing labourers without pay for the renovation of his palace. Jerusalem was subsequently filled with the blood of the innocent due to extortion and persecution. During his reign, Judah suffered its first attack from Babylon. The prophecy then turned to King Coniah (Jeconiah/Jojachin). He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and refused to listen to Him. During his reign, Judah suffered a second attack from Babylon. Thus ended the sovereign Davidic dynasty, for although Zedekiah subsequently reigned, he was merely a puppet king under Babylonian rule. 

Being a leader is certainly no easy task; that is why a leader must always exercise wisdom when making decisions and formulating policies. The Lord truly desires His people to abide solely in His word and under His care. Yet it is often our own rebellion that stands in the way of all this. Let us learn to rely on the Lord in all things and submit to Him—including when we are entrusted with leadership.