Jeremiah 22:19

KJV

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall be buried {H6912} with the burial {H6900} of an ass {H2543}, drawn {H5498} and cast forth {H7993} beyond {H1973} the gates {H8179} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will be given a donkey's 'burial' - dragged out the gates of Yerushalayim and thrown away [to rot].

Berean Standard Bible

He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:19 delivers a chilling prophecy concerning the ignominious end of King Jehoiakim of Judah, foretelling a burial devoid of honor, akin to the unceremonious disposal of an animal carcass. This stark pronouncement serves as a powerful testament to divine judgment against a monarch who, despite his high office, embraced wickedness, oppression, and self-indulgence, thereby incurring God's severe condemnation for his unrighteous rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of prophetic oracles in Jeremiah 22, primarily directed against the kings of Judah. Specifically, Jeremiah 22:1-19 focuses on King Jehoiakim, son of the righteous King Josiah. The preceding verses (vv. 13-17) issue a scathing condemnation of Jehoiakim's reign, detailing his injustices: building lavish palaces through forced labor, shedding innocent blood, and neglecting the plight of the poor and needy. This prophecy of a dishonorable burial (v. 19) serves as the climactic judgment for his blatant disregard for God's covenant and the principles of righteous leadership, standing in stark contrast to the divine blessing promised to a king who rules justly (vv. 3-5). The subsequent verses (vv. 20-30) shift to a similar judgment against Jehoiakim's son, Coniah (Jehoiachin), reinforcing the theme of divine accountability for Judah's corrupt monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiakim (originally Eliakim) was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt after the death of his father, Josiah, in 609 BC ([2 Kings 23:34](/2_kings/23-34 "2 Kings 23:34 - Jehoiakim's Ascension")). His reign (609-598 BC) was marked by political instability, subservience to foreign powers (first Egypt, then Babylon), and internal corruption. Culturally, proper burial rites were profoundly significant in the ancient Near East, symbolizing honor, respect, and a peaceful transition to the afterlife. Kings, in particular, were afforded elaborate tombs and mourning rituals. To be denied a proper burial, or to be buried like an animal, was the ultimate disgrace, a fate considered worse than death itself. Donkeys were common beasts of burden, and their carcasses were typically discarded unceremoniously outside city limits, often in refuse heaps. The "gates of Jerusalem" were not merely entry points but significant public spaces, symbolic of the city's identity and boundaries. To be cast "beyond the gates" signified utter rejection and public humiliation, denying the deceased a place even within the city's sacred or honored ground.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:19 vividly contributes to several major themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment on Unrighteous Leadership**, underscoring God's unwavering justice against rulers who abuse their power, oppress the vulnerable, and disregard His law. This verse highlights that no one, regardless of status or perceived immunity, is exempt from divine accountability. It also powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that persistent rebellion against God's commands and moral corruption inevitably lead to severe degradation and judgment, as seen in Jehoiakim's fate compared to his righteous father, Josiah ([2 Kings 23:25](/2_kings/23-25 "2 Kings 23:25 - Josiah's Righteous Reign")). Furthermore, the prophecy emphasizes the **Extreme Dishonor and Humiliation** that awaits those who defy God, portraying a public disgrace designed to strip away all vestiges of royal dignity. Finally, it reinforces the **Prophetic Authority and Fulfillment** of God's word, asserting that Jeremiah's pronouncements, however shocking, would inevitably come to pass, even if the exact historical record of Jehoiakim's end is somewhat ambiguous in the biblical text ([2 Kings 24:6](/2_kings/24-6 "2 Kings 24:6 - Jehoiakim 'Slept with His Fathers'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ass (Hebrew, _chămôwr'_):** This word (H2543) refers to a male donkey. In this context, the use of "ass" is highly symbolic, representing the lowest form of dignity. Unlike horses, which were associated with warfare and royalty, donkeys were humble beasts of burden. To be buried "with the burial of an ass" means to be treated as refuse, unworthy of any respectful interment, equating a king's final disposition to that of a despised animal carcass.
* **drawn (Hebrew, _çâchab'_):** The verb (H5498) means "to trail along" or "to tear." Here, it implies a violent, undignified dragging. This is not a respectful carrying of a body but a forceful, contemptuous pulling, likely through the streets or out of the city, emphasizing the public and humiliating nature of Jehoiakim's treatment. It suggests a complete lack of care or reverence for the deceased king's body.
* **cast forth (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This primitive root (H7993) means "to throw out, down or away." Its use here reinforces the idea of violent expulsion and utter rejection. The body is not merely taken out but contemptuously "thrown" away, further cementing the image of Jehoiakim being treated as something utterly worthless and despised, discarded like rubbish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall be buried with the burial of an ass":** This opening clause immediately establishes the profound indignity awaiting King Jehoiakim. Instead of the elaborate and honorable burial rites customary for monarchs, his interment will be equivalent to that of a common, despised animal. This signifies a complete stripping away of his royal status and personal dignity, a public declaration of his worthlessness in God's eyes.
* **"drawn":** This participle describes the manner of his removal. It implies a violent, disrespectful dragging of his body. This is not a solemn procession but a crude, perhaps public, act of hauling his corpse, emphasizing the utter lack of reverence and the contempt with which he would be treated, even in death.
* **"and cast forth":** Following the dragging, his body will be violently thrown away. This verb suggests a forceful, contemptuous disposal, as one would discard refuse. It underscores the complete rejection of Jehoiakim, not only from his throne but also from any semblance of dignified remembrance or resting place.
* **"beyond the gates of Jerusalem":** This final phrase specifies the location of his ignominious disposal. To be cast outside the city walls, particularly "beyond the gates" (a public and symbolic boundary), meant exclusion from the city's sacred spaces, its burial grounds, and any connection to the community's honor. It implies his body would be left exposed, perhaps in a refuse heap or a desolate place, a public spectacle of divine judgment and ultimate disgrace.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:19 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of severe judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the comparison of a king's burial to "the burial of an ass." This vivid image functions as a scathing indictment, equating the powerful monarch with a common, unceremoniously discarded animal carcass, thereby stripping him of all royal dignity and honor. The prophecy also utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of the disgrace; while a literal animal burial might not have occurred, the description conveys the most profound level of humiliation imaginable for a king. The phrases "drawn and cast forth" create a strong sense of **Visual Imagery**, painting a grim picture of a body being violently dragged and discarded, evoking revulsion and shock. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**, as a king who built lavish palaces through oppression is denied even the most basic human dignity in death. The "gates of Jerusalem" serve as a potent **Symbolism**, representing the city's identity, its sacred space, and its communal honor, from which the unrighteous king is utterly and publicly excluded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:19 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over human affairs, especially the actions of those in power. It underscores the biblical principle that worldly status and privilege offer no immunity from divine judgment when one's life is marked by oppression, injustice, and rebellion against God's commands. This prophecy reveals that true honor and a lasting legacy are not derived from material wealth or political might, but from a life lived in righteousness and obedience to God. It serves as a prophetic warning that God will not tolerate wickedness, particularly when it emanates from leadership, and that He will ultimately bring all deeds, both good and evil, into account, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.

* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Will Not Go Unpunished") - Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
* [Psalm 49:10-13](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10-13 - The Folly of Trusting in Wealth") - For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
* [Isaiah 14:18-20](/isaiah/14-18 "Isaiah 14:18-20 - The King of Babylon's Undignified Burial") - All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophecy against Jehoiakim in Jeremiah 22:19 offers profound lessons for believers today, extending far beyond the ancient context of kingship. It serves as a powerful reminder that our actions, particularly those taken from positions of influence, carry eternal weight and are subject to divine scrutiny. For those in leadership, whether in the church, community, or workplace, this verse is a sobering call to integrity, justice, and compassion, urging us to use our authority not for personal gain or oppression, but for the welfare of others and the glory of God. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we building a legacy of righteousness and service, or are we, like Jehoiakim, prioritizing self-indulgence and worldly accolades over God's commands? Ultimately, this passage encourages a deep introspection into what truly constitutes "honor" in God's eyes, contrasting fleeting earthly prestige with the enduring value of a life lived in humble obedience and justice. It assures us that God sees all, and His justice will ultimately prevail, calling us to align our lives with His righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of legacy am I building through my actions and decisions, especially in areas where I hold influence or authority?**
* **How does this prophecy challenge my understanding of true honor and dignity, contrasting it with worldly definitions of success and status?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize personal gain or comfort over justice and compassion for others, and how can I resist such temptations?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice in this passage encourage me to trust in His ultimate sovereignty, even when injustice seems to prevail in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why was this specific type of burial considered so dishonorable in ancient times?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, burial was a profoundly significant ritual, integral to one's identity, honor, and perceived fate in the afterlife. To be denied a proper burial was considered one of the greatest misfortunes, a curse worse than death itself. Kings and nobles typically received elaborate tombs and extensive mourning rituals, signifying their status and the community's respect. The image of being "buried with the burial of an ass" implies being treated as refuse, like an animal carcass that would be unceremoniously discarded in a ditch or a refuse heap outside the city walls. This was the ultimate public disgrace, denying the individual any dignified remembrance, a connection to their ancestors, or a peaceful resting place. It was a complete stripping away of honor, a visual declaration of divine judgment and utter contempt, designed to shock and horrify those who heard the prophecy, as it was a fate reserved for the most despised and condemned individuals, not for a reigning monarch.

**Did King Jehoiakim's burial actually happen as prophesied in Jeremiah 22:19?**

Answer: The biblical account in [2 Kings 24:6](/2_kings/24-6 "2 Kings 24:6 - Jehoiakim 'Slept with His Fathers'") states that Jehoiakim "slept with his fathers," a common euphemism for dying and being buried. This phrase, however, does not necessarily imply an honorable burial in the royal tombs. Historical accounts outside the biblical narrative suggest a fulfillment that aligns with the spirit of Jeremiah's prophecy. The Jewish historian Josephus (Antiquities 10.97) records that Jehoiakim was indeed killed by the Babylonians and his body "cast out before the walls, unburied." Other traditions suggest he was thrown into the Kidron Valley, a common dumping ground for refuse outside Jerusalem's gates. While the exact details of his final disposition are not explicitly confirmed in the canonical biblical text as a literal "burial of an ass," the general consensus among scholars is that Jehoiakim suffered a highly dishonorable end, consistent with the severe judgment pronounced by Jeremiah, emphasizing his public disgrace and rejection rather than a dignified royal interment. The prophecy's primary intent was to convey extreme humiliation and divine judgment, which was undoubtedly fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:19, with its vivid portrayal of an unrighteous king's ignominious end, stands in stark contrast to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, and finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal parallel but in a glorious reversal and theological antithesis. Jehoiakim's "burial of an ass" symbolizes divine judgment against human sin and rebellion, a fate of utter rejection and dishonor. Yet, Jesus, the perfectly righteous King, willingly embraced a death that appeared to be one of ultimate dishonor, hanging on a cross, cursed by the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). His crucifixion, viewed by the world as a shameful execution, was in God's plan the very means of salvation, transforming an act of public disgrace into the most glorious act of redemptive love. Unlike Jehoiakim, whose body was "drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem" in utter contempt, Jesus, though dying "outside the gate" ([Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")), was laid in a new, honorable tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea ([Matthew 27:57-60](/matthew/27-57 "Matthew 27:57-60 - Jesus' Burial by Joseph of Arimathea"); [John 19:38-42](/john/19-38 "John 19:38-42 - Jesus' Burial")). His burial was not one of permanent disgrace but a temporary rest before His triumphant resurrection, which utterly conquered death and the grave. Thus, while Jehoiakim's fate serves as a warning of judgment for unrighteousness, Christ's death and resurrection offer the hope of eternal life and true honor to all who believe, demonstrating that true kingship is marked by humble sacrifice, not oppressive power, and that God's ultimate justice culminates in the glorification of His Son, who alone is worthy of all honor and praise ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

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 36:30

Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.

1 Kings 21:23

And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.

1 Kings 21:24

Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

1 Kings 14:10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

Jeremiah 15:3

And I will appoint over them four kinds, saith the LORD: the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the earth, to devour and destroy.

2 Kings 9:35

And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of [her] hands.

Jeremiah 36:6

Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD'S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.