Jeremiah 22:15
Does it make you a king to excel in cedar?
What it says
The prophet asks whether cedar magnificence is what makes a true king and points back to the father's better model.
What it is doing
This verse challenges the king's definition of royal greatness.
In context
13“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, 14who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, 15Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? 16He took up the cause of the poor and needy, 17“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing 18Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: 19He will be buried like a donkey, 20Go up to Lebanon and cry out; 21I warned you when you were secure. 22The wind will drive away all your shepherds, 23O inhabitant of Lebanon,