Jeremiah 22:2

KJV

And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:

KJV (with Strong's)

And say {H559}, Hear {H8085} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, O king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, that sittest {H3427} upon the throne {H3678} of David {H1732}, thou, and thy servants {H5650}, and thy people {H5971} that enter {H935} in by these gates {H8179}:

Complete Jewish Bible

'King of Y'hudah occupying David's throne, hear the word of ADONAI - you, your servants and your people who enter through these gates.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates.

American Standard Version

and say, Hear the word of Jehovah, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:2 serves as a direct divine summons delivered through the prophet Jeremiah, addressing the reigning king of Judah, his officials, and all the people who pass through the city gates of Jerusalem. This verse initiates a crucial prophetic message from the LORD, emphasizing the accountability of leadership and the entire nation to God's word, particularly in a period of significant national decline and impending judgment. It underscores the public nature and universal scope of God's urgent call to obedience and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:2 opens a distinct prophetic oracle within the book of Jeremiah, specifically addressing the kings of Judah. Chapters 21-24 form a section primarily concerned with messages to the Davidic monarchy and the fate of Jerusalem and Judah under their rule. Chapter 21 begins with King Zedekiah's inquiry to Jeremiah during a siege by Babylon, receiving a harsh response of impending doom. Chapter 22 then shifts to a general address to the "house of the king of Judah," with verse 2 acting as the formal introduction to this divine charge. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 22:3-5) immediately lay out the conditions for blessing or curse, directly linking the king's and the people's obedience to the LORD's word with the preservation or destruction of the Davidic throne and Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for a series of pronouncements against specific kings, including Shallum (Jehoahaz), Jehoiakim, and Coniah (Jehoiachin), highlighting their failures and the consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's ministry, and specifically this oracle, is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire, the rising power of Babylon, and the lingering influence of Egypt. Kings like Jehoiakim, who likely reigned when this prophecy was given, often pursued policies of political alliance and idolatry, directly contravening the covenant with Yahweh. The "throne of David" signifies the Davidic covenant, a promise of an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), yet this promise was conditional upon the kings' obedience. The "gates" of the city were not merely points of entry but served as the primary public square, where legal judgments were rendered, commercial transactions occurred, and public announcements were made. Proclaiming a message at the gates ensured maximum public exposure and emphasized the message's official and binding nature, reflecting the transparency and accessibility of justice and governance in ancient Near Eastern societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. The most prominent is the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty** of the LORD, whose "word" is supreme and demands absolute attention and obedience from all, regardless of status. Closely related is the theme of **Accountability of Leadership**, particularly the Davidic monarchy. The king, as God's chosen representative, bore immense responsibility for upholding justice and righteousness, and his failure would have dire consequences for the entire nation. The inclusion of "servants" and "people" extends this accountability to the entire society, emphasizing **Collective Responsibility**. The call to "Hear" (Hebrew: *shama'*) is not passive listening but an active, obedient response, echoing the fundamental call to Israel found in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")). Finally, the setting at the "gates" highlights the theme of **Public Proclamation and Justice**, signifying that God's judgment and His call to repentance are not private matters but public declarations affecting the entire community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies more than just a spoken utterance; it encompasses a matter, thing, affair, decree, or deed. In this context, "the word of the LORD" is not merely advice but a divine declaration with inherent authority and power, demanding action and carrying consequences. It is God's active communication, His will made known.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, denoting a monarch or royal ruler. The direct address to the "king of Judah" emphasizes his supreme authority within the nation, but also his unique accountability to God. He is the primary recipient of the divine message, underscoring his pivotal role in the nation's spiritual and political destiny.
* **Sittest (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning to sit down, dwell, or remain. Here, it specifically refers to the act of sitting upon a throne, signifying the king's established authority, his position of power, and his role as a ruler and judge. It highlights the stability and continuity of the Davidic dynasty, which is now being challenged by its own unfaithfulness.
* **Gates (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, referring to an opening, door, or gate, specifically the city gates. In ancient Israel, city gates were centers of public life, commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. Their mention here indicates that the divine message is for the entire populace, not just the royal court, and that it is to be proclaimed publicly and openly, affecting all aspects of communal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And say, Hear the word of the LORD,"**: This imperative opening establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. Jeremiah is commanded to "say" (Hebrew: `ʼâmar`, H559), indicating his role as God's messenger. The command to "Hear" (Hebrew: `shâmaʻ`, H8085) is not passive listening but an urgent call to attentive understanding and, crucially, obedient action. The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: `dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh`) emphasizes that this is a direct revelation from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, carrying ultimate weight and truth.
* **"O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David,"**: This clause precisely identifies the primary recipient of the message: the reigning monarch of Judah. The reference to "the throne of David" (Hebrew: `kiççêʼ Dâvid`) is highly significant, invoking the foundational Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")), which promised an enduring dynasty. By sitting on this throne, the king inherits not only power but also the solemn responsibility to rule justly and righteously, in accordance with God's covenant. The prophet is reminding the king of his sacred trust and the divine expectations associated with his position.
* **"thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:"**: This final clause expands the scope of the divine address beyond the king to include his entire administration ("thy servants," Hebrew: `ʻebed`, H5650, referring to officials and courtiers) and the general populace ("thy people," Hebrew: `ʻam`, H5971). The phrase "that enter in by these gates" (Hebrew: `bôwʼ shaʻar`, H935, H8179) highlights the public and universal nature of the proclamation. The city gates were the nexus of public life, and by addressing those who pass through them, the message is declared to be for every individual within the community, leaving no one exempt from the call to hear and obey God's word.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Apostrophe** is prominently used, as the prophet directly addresses the absent "king of Judah" and, by extension, his officials and people. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal accountability. The phrase "throne of David" functions as **Synecdoche**, where "throne" represents the entire Davidic monarchy and the covenant promises associated with it. This evokes the historical and theological weight of the king's position. The mention of "gates" serves as a powerful **Symbol** of the public sphere, justice, and the entire city itself. It signifies that the message is not confined to the palace but is intended for the whole community, underscoring the collective responsibility and the public consequences of their actions. The repeated emphasis on "Hear the word of the LORD" also functions as a **Call to Action**, an imperative that transcends mere auditory reception to demand active obedience and transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:2 powerfully encapsulates the prophetic tradition's emphasis on divine authority, the accountability of leadership, and the critical importance of obedience to God's word for national well-being. It underscores the truth that earthly power, even that divinely established like the Davidic monarchy, is always subordinate to the ultimate sovereignty of the LORD. The message serves as a stark reminder that covenant blessings are conditional upon faithfulness, and that a nation's prosperity is inextricably linked to its leaders' and people's adherence to divine justice and righteousness. The failure of Judah's kings to "hear" and obey God's word led directly to the unraveling of the Davidic kingdom and the Babylonian exile, demonstrating the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy and moral decay in leadership. This verse sets the stage for the prophetic indictment against those who failed to uphold God's standards.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Duties of the King") - Outlines the king's responsibility to diligently study and obey the law of the LORD.
* [Psalm 82:1-4](/psalm/82-1 "Psalm 82:1-4 - God Judges the Earthly Rulers") - Depicts God standing in the divine assembly, judging earthly rulers for their failure to administer justice to the poor and needy.
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires") - Summarizes God's requirements for humanity: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God, a message particularly relevant for leaders.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:2 is a timeless summons that transcends its ancient context, offering profound lessons for individuals and societies today. It challenges us to consider the immense responsibility that accompanies any position of influence, whether in government, business, family, or the church. Leaders are not merely accountable to their constituents or shareholders, but ultimately to God, whose word must be the supreme guide for all decisions and actions. For the individual, the command to "Hear the word of the LORD" is a perpetual call to active, obedient engagement with Scripture. It's not enough to passively listen or intellectually assent; true hearing demands a transformed life that reflects God's justice and righteousness in every sphere. This verse reminds us that societal health and spiritual vitality are deeply intertwined with the collective commitment to God's standards, urging us to advocate for justice and righteousness in our communities, beginning with our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, or in the leadership I observe, is there a need for a renewed "hearing" and obedience to God's word?**
* **How does the concept of "collective responsibility" (king, servants, people) challenge my understanding of individual versus communal accountability today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that God's word is not just heard, but actively applied in my personal life and in the spheres of influence I inhabit?**

### FAQ
**Why is the message addressed to the king, his servants, and the people at the gates?**

Answer: The message is addressed to this broad audience to emphasize the comprehensive nature of accountability before God. The king, sitting on "the throne of David," represents the highest authority and bears primary responsibility for the nation's spiritual and moral direction. His "servants" (officials and advisors) are included because they are instrumental in implementing policies and influencing the king. "The people that enter in by these gates" signifies the entire populace, as the city gates were the central hub of public life, commerce, and justice. This collective address underscores that the nation's fate was not solely dependent on the king but on the collective obedience of everyone, from the highest ruler to the common citizen, to the word of the LORD. It highlights that God's covenant expectations extended to all levels of society, and their collective failure would lead to collective consequences, as seen in [Jeremiah 22:3-5](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3-5 - Conditions for Davidic Throne").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:2, with its urgent call to "Hear the word of the LORD" addressed to the Davidic king and his people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The earthly kings of Judah, despite sitting on the "throne of David," consistently failed to truly "hear" and obey God's word, leading to the kingdom's downfall. However, Jesus is the true and faithful [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), the perfect Son of David who perfectly embodies and fulfills the Davidic covenant. He is not merely a recipient of God's word, but the very [Word of God incarnate](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God speaks definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

Unlike the kings who failed to administer justice, Jesus perfectly upholds righteousness and justice, not only in His teachings but in His atoning work on the cross, where He justly bore the penalty for sin. The call to "hear" in Jeremiah 22:2 foreshadows the New Testament's repeated exhortation to "hear His voice" and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The message once proclaimed at the "gates" of Jerusalem, a place of earthly judgment, now finds its echo in the universal proclamation of the Gospel to all nations, inviting everyone to enter through Christ, the [gate to salvation](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate"). In Christ, God's word is not merely heard but lived out, offering not just a conditional promise of an earthly throne, but an eternal kingdom and a perfect King who reigns in righteousness forever.

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

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Jeremiah 22:4

For if ye do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.

Isaiah 1:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Jeremiah 29:20

Hear ye therefore the word of the LORD, all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon:

Isaiah 28:14

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 22:19

And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.