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Jeremiah 22 · Grade 5

Competing in Cedar

Name Date

Read and Think

Jeremiah 22 is a sermon delivered at the royal palace. God's standard for the king was clear. Execute justice and righteousness, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong. Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. The house of David would stand or fall by its treatment of the vulnerable.

The chapter then reviews the last kings of Judah. Shallum, also called Jehoahaz, would die in exile and never return. Jehoiakim receives the sharpest rebuke. Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his rooms by injustice. He forced labor without pay and built a lavish cedar palace. His eyes and heart were set on covetousness and oppression, and his death would bring no honor.

In the middle of this rebuke stands a portrait of his father, Josiah. Didn't your father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy. Then God asks a striking question. Wasn't this to know me? says Yahweh. In the Bible, knowing God is more than information. It is a relationship that shows itself in mercy. The chapter ends with Coniah, Jehoiakim's son, whose royal line would be cut off from David's throne.

Show What You Know

  1. What would the house of David stand or fall by?

  2. What was Jehoiakim's great sin in building his palace?

  3. How is Josiah described?

  4. What does verse 16 teach about knowing God?

Crossword

42153

Across

  1. And do ____ and righteousness.
  2. Should you reign because you strive to excel in ____.

Down

  1. Woe to him who builds his ____ by unrighteousness.
  2. He judged the cause of the poor and ____.
  3. He judged the cause of the ____ and needy.

Think About It

  1. Josiah ate and drank and also did justice. How can people enjoy good things without neglecting others?

  2. Why is building by injustice especially serious for leaders?

Memory Verse

Yahweh says: “Execute justice and righteousness, and deliver him who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong. Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Don’t shed innocent blood in this place.

Jeremiah 22:3 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for caring for the poor. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What does a fair leader do?
  • How can you show you know God this week?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.