In these chapters, Jeremiah's sermons are directed to Judah's kings who have failed in their duty to rule justly. Jeremiah says that these kings will lose their thrones (22:8-9). Their wealth and power will not keep them from judgement because they have not done their duty to protect "the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow" (22:3). The result of idolatry is always mistreatment of the disenfranchised and the vulnerable.

God promises a "righteous branch" – a true messiah will emerge who executes justice (23:5-6). When Jesus initiated his Kingdom, unlike these kings, he was a friend of sinners, tax collectors, the poor and the disenfranchised. Of His kingdom there will be no end.