14. He says, ‘I will build a magnificent palacewith huge rooms and many windows.I will panel it throughout with fragrant cedarand paint it a lovely red.’
15. But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink.But he was just and right in all his dealings.That is why God blessed him.
16. He gave justice and help to the poor and needy,and everything went well for him.Isn’t that what it means to know me?”says the lord.
17. “But you! You have eyes only for greed and dishonesty!You murder the innocent,oppress the poor, and reign ruthlessly.”
18. Therefore, this is what the lord says about Jehoiakim, son of King Josiah:“The people will not mourn for him, crying to one another,‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’His subjects will not mourn for him, crying,‘Alas, our master is dead! Alas, his splendor is gone!’
19. He will be buried like a dead donkey—dragged out of Jerusalem and dumped outside the gates!
20. Weep for your allies in Lebanon.Shout for them in Bashan.Search for them in the regions east of the river.See, they are all destroyed.Not one is left to help you.