Jeremiah, 22
23. You who sit in Lebanon, and who nest in the cedars, in what way did you mourn when suffering came to you, like the suffering of a woman giving birth?
23. You who sit in Lebanon, and who nest in the cedars, in what way did you mourn when suffering came to you, like the suffering of a woman giving birth?
Jeremiah 22 deals with God's judgment on the kings of Judah, especially about Joaquim, who is condemned for his misconduct and disobedience. In addition, the chapter also talks about the importance of social justice and mercy. Below are five verses related to these themes:
Psalm 72:1-2: "Give the King your righteousness, O God, and your righteousness to the Son of the King. He will judge your people with righteousness and your poor with equity." This psalm is a prayer for the righteous and godly king, who rules with justice and mercy. The verse relates to Jeremiah 22 by emphasizing the importance of justice in government, in contrast to the oppressive conduct of some kings.
Isaiah 1:17: "Learn how to do good; seek justice, end up with oppression. Light for the orphan's rights and defend the cause of the widow." This verse of the book of Isaiah urges God's people to seek justice and to combat oppression, especially in favor of the most vulnerable of society. The theme of social justice is an important element in Jeremiah 22.
Jeremiah 21:12: "O descent of David, thus says the Lord, 'Practice justice in the morning; free the oppressed from the hand of the oppressors, that my furor does not come out as fire and cannot be erased because of evil of you. '"This verse is similar in content and message to chapter 22, emphasizing the importance of justice and the liberation of the oppressed. Both texts also bring the king's figure as an important agent for justice.
James 1:27: "The pure and without macula religion before God, the Father, is this: to visit the orphans and the widows in their tribulations and to be exempt from the corruption of the world." The author of James also highlights the importance of mercy and the most vulnerable care of society. The verse relates to Jeremiah 22, which highlights the need for righteous and godly kings who rule with compassion and mercy.
Proverbs 29:14: "If a king judges the poor with righteousness, his throne will be established forever." This proverb highlights the importance of social justice for government stability. The verse relates to Jeremiah 22, who condemns oppressive and unjust kings, and exalts the figure of the righteous and godly king as one who brings blessings to his people.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
