He exhorteth to repentance with promises and threats. The judgment of Shallum, of Jehoiakim, and of Coniah.
Before Christ 598.
THE prophesy which follows to ch. Jeremiah 23:9 was evidently delivered in the reign of Jehoiakim; for it speaks of his immediate predecessor as already gone into captivity, and foretels the death of Jehoiakim himself. It is likewise probable, that it followed immediately after what is said in the 19th and 20th Chapter s to have passed in the temple precincts; whence, as from higher ground, the prophet is ordered to go down to the house of the king of Judah. Compare ch. Jeremiah 36:12.
The beginning of this prophesy is an address to the king of Judah, his servants, and people, recommending an inviolable adherence to right and justice as the only means of establishing the throne, and preventing the ruin of both prince and people; Jeremiah 21:1-9. The captivity of Shallum is declared to be irreversible; Jeremiah 21:10-12. Jehoiakim is severely reproved for his tyrannical oppressions, and his miserable end foretold; Jeremiah 21:13-14. His family is threatened with a continuance of the like calamities; the fall and captivity of his son Jeconiah are explicitly set forth, and the perpetual exclusion of his seed from the throne; Jeremiah 21-22. The name of Zedekiah is not mentioned, for obvious reasons; but he is, no doubt, principally intended in the two first verses of ch. 23. under the general character of those evil shepherds, who should be punished for dispersing, instead of feeding the flock. In the six following verses, with which the prophesy concludes, the people are consoled with gracious promises of future blessings; of their return from captivity, and of happier times under better governors; of the glorious establishment of the Messiah's kingdom; and of the subsequent restoration of all the dispersed Israelites to dwell once more in their own land.