Jeremiah 22:1

KJV

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Go down {H3381} to the house {H1004} of the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and speak {H1696} there this word {H1697},

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said, "Go down to the house of the king of Y'hudah and there speak this word:

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there,

American Standard Version

Thus said Jehovah: Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:1 initiates a direct and urgent prophetic oracle from the LORD to the reigning king of Judah and his royal household. This verse serves as a divine summons for Jeremiah to confront the highest echelons of power, setting the stage for a profound message of divine judgment and a call to righteousness, underscoring God's unwavering demand for justice from those entrusted with leadership, particularly as the nation faced imminent crisis and the threat of Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:1 immediately follows an oracle in [Jeremiah 21](/jeremiah/21 "Jeremiah 21 - Oracle Against Zedekiah and Jerusalem") where King Zedekiah seeks a word from the LORD concerning the Babylonian siege, only to receive a message of impending destruction for Jerusalem and its inhabitants. Chapter 22 then shifts focus, opening a new prophetic unit specifically addressing the kings of Judah and the royal palace. This particular oracle (Jeremiah 22:1-5) functions as a conditional covenant appeal, outlining the blessings of obedience (justice and righteousness) and the curses of disobedience (desolation of the palace and exile). The imperative "Go down" signals a direct, personal confrontation, emphasizing the gravity of the message and its immediate relevance to the royal administration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense political and spiritual turmoil for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Following the righteous reign of Josiah, a succession of unfaithful kings—Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—led Judah further into idolatry and injustice, despite Jeremiah's persistent warnings. The phrase "Go down to the house of the king of Judah" is significant; Jerusalem, being built on hills, meant that one would physically "go down" to the royal palace from higher parts of the city or from the temple mount. Culturally, the king was seen as God's representative, responsible for upholding justice and the covenant. This direct divine command to confront the king in his own palace highlights God's ultimate authority over earthly rulers and His commitment to covenant fidelity, even when His chosen leaders fail.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate the book of Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. First, **Divine Authority** is paramount, established by the foundational prophetic formula "Thus saith the LORD," which asserts that the message is not Jeremiah's human opinion but a direct, unalterable word from the sovereign God. Second, **Prophetic Responsibility** is highlighted, as Jeremiah is commanded to "speak there this word," illustrating the prophet's often difficult and dangerous duty to faithfully declare God's will to those in power, regardless of the personal cost or the message's unpopularity. Third, **Accountability of Rulers** is a central concern, as the message is specifically directed to the "king of Judah" and his "house." This immediately signals that the subsequent prophecy will address the conduct of the monarchy and its administration, reminding them that their position of authority comes with immense responsibility before God to uphold justice and righteousness, as detailed in [Jeremiah 22:3-5](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-5 - God's Call for Justice and Consequences").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559 (from אָמַר) - This primitive root signifies "to say," but with a broad range of applications including to "appoint," "command," "declare," or "utter." In the context of "Thus saith the LORD," it functions as a powerful prophetic formula, authenticating the message as a direct, authoritative divine utterance. It underscores that the words Jeremiah is about to speak are not his own thoughts or opinions, but the very words of God, carrying divine weight and demanding unquestioning attention and obedience.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** H1004 (from בָּנָה) - While literally meaning a "house," this term carries significant broader implications. It can refer to a family, a household, a palace, a temple, or even a dynasty. In Jeremiah 22:1, "the house of the king of Judah" specifically denotes the royal palace in Jerusalem, symbolizing the seat of governmental power, the royal family, and the entire administrative apparatus. The command to go to the "house" signifies a direct confrontation with the locus of political and judicial authority, where the king's decisions were made and where justice (or injustice) was administered.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697 (from דָבַר) - This noun, derived from the verb "to speak," is exceptionally rich in meaning. It can refer to a "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "report." In prophetic contexts, "this word" (הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה, _haddâbâr hazzeh_) refers to the specific, authoritative message or oracle that God is delivering through His prophet. It is not merely information but a potent, living declaration with the power to bring about what it proclaims, whether judgment or blessing. Here, it refers to the subsequent detailed prophecy concerning the king's conduct and the fate of his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This is the classic, authoritative prophetic formula (כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar Yahweh_). It immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message that follows. It signals that what Jeremiah is about to declare is not his own opinion or political commentary, but a direct revelation from the sovereign God of Israel, YHWH, the self-existent and eternal One. This phrase demands immediate and respectful attention, emphasizing the binding nature of the upcoming prophecy.
* **"Go down to the house of the king of Judah,":** This is a direct imperative command from the LORD to Jeremiah. "Go down" likely refers to the geographical descent from the higher parts of Jerusalem to the royal palace, which was situated lower. More significantly, it signifies a direct, personal, and potentially confrontational encounter with the highest earthly authority in Judah. The "house of the king" represents not just the physical palace but the entire royal administration, the king's family, and the seat of power and governance. God is taking His message directly to the source of national leadership.
* **"and speak there this word,":** This second imperative command outlines Jeremiah's crucial prophetic duty. He is not merely to go to the palace but to actively "speak" – to declare, proclaim, and articulate – the specific "word" (הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה) that the LORD has given him. This emphasizes the prophet's role as a faithful messenger, obligated to deliver the divine message without alteration or fear, even when it is a message of rebuke or judgment directed at powerful figures. The "word" here refers to the detailed oracle that unfolds in the subsequent verses of Jeremiah 22, concerning justice, righteousness, and the consequences of royal failure.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:1 employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "Thus saith the LORD," which functions as an authoritative preamble, immediately establishing the divine origin and binding nature of the message. This formula is a hallmark of prophetic literature, serving to authenticate the prophet's words as direct revelation from God. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Go down" and "speak" highlights the urgency and directness of God's command to Jeremiah, emphasizing the prophet's immediate and non-negotiable duty. Furthermore, the phrase "house of the king of Judah" employs **Metonymy**, where "house" stands in for the entire royal institution, including the king, his family, and the governmental administration. This allows the prophecy to address not just the individual king but the systemic issues of leadership and justice within the monarchy. The overall tone is one of divine **Proclamation**, setting a confrontational yet deeply significant stage for the unfolding oracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:1 stands as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His unwavering demand for righteousness, especially from those in positions of authority. It underscores the theological truth that earthly rulers are ultimately accountable to the divine King. God's direct command to confront the king highlights that no human power is beyond His scrutiny or judgment. This verse sets the stage for a broader theological discourse on justice, covenant faithfulness, and the consequences of disobedience, themes deeply rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It reminds us that true leadership, according to God's standard, is characterized by upholding justice and caring for the vulnerable, rather than self-serving ambition or oppression.

* [2 Samuel 12:7](/2_samuel/12-7 "2 Samuel 12:7 - Nathan Confronts David")
* [1 Kings 18:18](/1_kings/18-18 "1 Kings 18:18 - Elijah Challenges Ahab")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Call for Justice to Roll Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:1 serves as a timeless reminder that God holds all leaders, regardless of their sphere of influence—be it governmental, corporate, ecclesiastical, or familial—accountable for their actions and for how they exercise their authority. The divine imperative for Jeremiah to "speak this word" encourages believers today to cultivate courage and faithfulness in upholding truth and righteousness, even when it means challenging established norms or confronting uncomfortable truths. This verse calls us to examine our own lives: Are we living justly? Do we advocate for the vulnerable? Are we willing to speak God's truth, even when it is unpopular or costly? It also underscores the critical importance of prayer for those in authority, that they might rule with wisdom and integrity, aligning their decisions with God's righteous standards, and that we, as God's people, might be faithful in our witness and prophetic voice in a world that desperately needs divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's direct confrontation of the king in this verse challenge our understanding of authority and accountability today?**
* **In what areas of your life or community might God be calling you to "speak this word" of truth and justice, even if it's difficult?**
* **What are the practical implications of understanding that all earthly power is ultimately answerable to God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jeremiah being commanded to "Go down" to the king's house?**

Answer: The command to "Go down" (Hebrew: _yârad_) carries both a literal and symbolic significance. Literally, Jerusalem was built on hills, and the royal palace was typically situated in a lower part of the city, so Jeremiah would physically descend to reach it. Symbolically, however, it represents God's direct and personal confrontation of the highest earthly authority. It signifies that no position, no matter how elevated, is beyond God's reach or scrutiny. It underscores the gravity and urgency of the message, as God bypasses intermediaries to address the king directly at the seat of his power, demanding accountability for his rule. This direct address highlights the king's ultimate responsibility before God for the well-being and righteousness of the nation, a theme that runs throughout the prophetic books, as seen in [Jeremiah 22:3-5](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-5 - God's Demand for Justice").

**What is "this word" that Jeremiah is commanded to speak?**

Answer: "This word" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) refers to the specific prophetic oracle that immediately follows in [Jeremiah 22:2-5](/jeremiah/22-2 "Jeremiah 22:2-5 - The Oracle to the King"). It is a conditional message of judgment and blessing based on the king's obedience or disobedience to God's covenant demands. The core of this "word" is a call for justice and righteousness: "Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place" ([Jeremiah 22:3](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3 - Execute Judgment and Righteousness")). If the king and his household obey, the Davidic dynasty will continue; if not, the palace will become a desolation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:1, with its stark portrayal of a failing earthly king and a divine demand for justice, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect King, Jesus Christ. The kings of Judah, despite their privileged position, consistently failed to uphold the righteousness and justice God demanded, leading their "house" and nation to ruin. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true and faithful King, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of a righteous ruler from the line of David ([Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")). He is the one who perfectly embodies the "word" of God, not merely speaking it, but being the living Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). While Jeremiah was commanded to "go down" to a corrupt earthly palace, Christ "came down" from heaven to earth, entering a broken world to establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He is the true "house" of God, the temple not made with hands, through whom all access to the Father is granted ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Unlike the kings of Judah who oppressed the vulnerable, Jesus championed the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, demonstrating perfect justice and compassion ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Jeremiah 22:1, while a message of judgment for a failed monarchy, ultimately points to the Messiah, who perfectly fulfills God's righteous demands and establishes a kingdom that will never be destroyed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 34:2

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire:

Hosea 5:1

¶ Hear ye this, O priests; and hearken, ye house of Israel; and give ye ear, O house of the king; for judgment [is] toward you, because ye have been a snare on Mizpah, and a net spread upon Tabor.

Mark 6:18

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

Amos 7:13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.

2 Chronicles 25:15

Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

2 Chronicles 19:2

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.