Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?

JEREMIAH 22:15KJV
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Jeremiah 22:15 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 22:15 mean?

Jeremiah 22:15 challenges the idea that a king’s greatness comes from living in luxury, specifically by building a palace lined with cedar wood. Instead, the verse points out that the previous king, the current king’s father, enjoyed life but was known for doing what was right and just, which is what truly made things go well for him.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to King Jehoiakim of Judah, questioning whether his focus on grand buildings and material comfort makes him a true and successful ruler. Jeremiah reminds Jehoiakim that his father, King Josiah, enjoyed the good things of life but was remembered for his fair and just rule, not for his wealth or impressive palace.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 22:15

  • "reign" (מָלַךְ, mālak): This word means to rule or be king. Jeremiah uses it to question whether simply having a grand palace qualifies someone to be a true king.
  • "closest" (תָּחַר, tāḥar): This word is about enclosing or paneling, here referring to covering the palace with cedar. The focus is on outward appearance and luxury.
  • "cedar" (אֶרֶז, ’erez): Cedar wood was a symbol of wealth and status in ancient Israel. Mentioning cedar highlights the king’s focus on luxury.
  • "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) and "justice" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): These words mean doing what is right and fair. Jeremiah points out that these qualities, not luxury, are what made Josiah’s reign good.

Why Jeremiah 22:15 matters

  • Jeremiah 22:15 corrects the misunderstanding that a ruler’s greatness is shown by wealth or impressive buildings, instead emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.
  • The verse connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 22, where God calls out the kings of Judah for abandoning justice and caring only for themselves.
  • This verse helps readers see that, in God’s eyes, leadership is measured by how a person treats others, not by their outward success or comfort.

Where else these words appear

“closest” Hebrew H8474 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 12:5 If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?

“cedar” Hebrew H730 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 14:4 Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
  • 1 Kings 7:2 He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.
  • Psalms 104:16 The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

“justice” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.