What does Jeremiah 22:4 mean?

"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." - 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." - Jeremiah 22:4

"Jeremiah 22:4 (KJV) states: '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.'"

This verse comes from the book of Jeremiah, which contains the prophecies of the prophet Jeremiah during a time of great turmoil and spiritual decay in the kingdom of Judah. In this particular passage, Jeremiah is delivering a message from God to the king of Judah, Jehoiakim, about the importance of living justly and upholding righteousness in order to preserve the kingdom.

The verse opens with the conditional phrase, "For if ye do this thing indeed," indicating that the fulfillment of the promise that follows is contingent on the obedience and action of the people. The "thing" referred to here is likely a reference to the moral and ethical behavior that the king and his subjects are expected to uphold. God is calling on them to adhere to His commands and live in accordance with His will.

The promise that follows speaks of the restoration and prosperity that will come to the kingdom if they heed God's instructions. The imagery of kings entering the gates of the house, riding in chariots and on horses, symbolizes the return of power, authority, and stability to the dynasty of David. This imagery is significant because it harkens back to the golden age of Israel's history when David and his line ruled with righteousness and justice under God's guidance.

The mention of "kings sitting upon the throne of David" emphasizes the continuity and legitimacy of the Davidic line, indicating that God's promise of a everlasting kingdom will be fulfilled through the descendants of David. This serves to reassure the people that despite the current state of disarray and impending judgment, there is still hope for restoration and renewal if they turn back to God.

Furthermore, the reference to "riding in chariots and on horses" conveys a sense of strength, prosperity, and victory. In the ancient Near East, chariots and horses were symbols of military might and prowess, and their presence signified the prowess and wealth of the rulers. This imagery suggests that under the righteous rule of the kings of David's line, the kingdom will be secure and prosperous, free from external threats and internal discord.

Overall, Jeremiah 22:4 serves as a powerful message of hope and restoration for the people of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the pursuit of justice and righteousness in order to experience the fullness of God's blessings. The verse also highlights the faithfulness of God to His covenant with the house of David, assuring the people that despite their current state of desolation and despair, there is still the potential for redemption and a bright future ahead.

In conclusion, Jeremiah 22:4 is a poignant and hopeful verse that communicates God's desire for His people to live in alignment with His will and the promised blessings that will come as a result. The imagery of kings entering the gates, riding in chariots and on horses, conveys a message of restoration, strength, and prosperity, serving as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and enduring covenant with His people.

Have questions about Jeremiah 22:4?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Jeremiah 22:4 Artwork

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."

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."

"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." - 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." - Jeremiah 22:4

Jeremiah 4:22 - "For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge."

Jeremiah 4:22 - "For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge."

Jehoiachin in Jeremiah 22:22-30

Jehoiachin in Jeremiah 22:22-30

Jeremiah 50:22 - "A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction."

Jeremiah 50:22 - "A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction."

Jeremiah 48:22 - "And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,"

Jeremiah 48:22 - "And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Beth-diblathaim,"

Jeremiah 22:27 - "But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return."

Jeremiah 22:27 - "But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return."

Jeremiah 30:22 - "And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."

Jeremiah 30:22 - "And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God."

Jeremiah 22:29 - "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD."

Jeremiah 22:29 - "O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD."

Jeremiah 22:22 - "The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness."

Jeremiah 22:22 - "The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness."

Jeremiah 20:4

Jeremiah 20:4

Jeremiah 37:4 - "Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison."

Jeremiah 37:4 - "Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison."

Jeremiah 8:22 - "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"

Jeremiah 8:22 - "Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"

Jeremiah 22:1 - "Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,"

Jeremiah 22:1 - "Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,"

"For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." - Jeremiah 4:22

"For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." - Jeremiah 4:22

Jeremiah 22:19 - "He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem."

Jeremiah 22:19 - "He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem."

Jeremiah 25:22 - "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"

Jeremiah 25:22 - "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"

Jeremiah 22:16 - "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 22:16 - "He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD."

Jeremiah 36:22 - "Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him."

Jeremiah 36:22 - "Now the king sat in the winterhouse in the ninth month: and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him."

Genesis 22-4

Genesis 22-4

Ephesians 4:22

Ephesians 4:22

Luca 22:4

Luca 22:4

Ephesians 4:22

Ephesians 4:22

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 29: 4-14

Jeremiah 36:4 - "Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book."

Jeremiah 36:4 - "Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book."

Jeremiah 22:5 - "But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation."

Jeremiah 22:5 - "But if ye will not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation."