Jeremiah 22

“Do justice and righteousness … do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place” (v3). This was God’s clear will for Israel, but they had “forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and worshiped other gods and served them” (v8-9). Worshipping other gods led to an inevitable result: violence, immorality, and the oppression of the poor (v13-17). In response, God withdrew His hand of protection and allowed Jerusalem to be conquered by the Babylonians.

“Is not this to know me? declares the Lord” (v16). God calls us to know His heart – His goodness, His mercy, His compassion – and to reflect His character to the world.