Just a King

The prophet Jeremiah personally knew Jehoiakim, and he knew that he was Judah’s king. Yet, in this chapter, Jehoiakim is referred to by name only six times. In contrast, he is described as “the king” 21 times.

Was this just a writer’s choice? Or was God perhaps delivering an important message?

We know that Jehoiakim had a history of pride. In fact, he was so arrogant that he rejected prophecies Jeremiah had given him. After his servant had only “read three or four columns,” Jehoiakim defiantly cut the scroll “with the scribe’s knife and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.”

The king did not hesitate to reject the prophet’s words, and he was not concerned about the consequences. Neither he nor his colleagues were afraid. They thought they were bigger than Jeremiah and did not have to be concerned about God.

But their actions had no impact on Jeremiah or on God. Jeremiah simply dictated the prophecies again and had them delivered to the king. But this time, “many similar words” were added.

Jehoiakim might have thought he was greater than God and did not need to listen to Jeremiah. But he was not invincible. He served as king only as long as God allowed. In himself, he did not have any power or authority—only what he had been given. He could be removed by God at any time. In fact, his time as king soon would be over. He was just a “king.”

In your life, seek to be on guard against pride. Stay humble before God. Take His Word seriously. Listen for His instructions. And remember that everything you have is a gift from Him.