v1-5: Words addressed to Zedekiah. Jeremiah declared the need for righteousness and justice; Josiah had practised these, see v15-16, and had therefore set an example for the later kings. If the king repented, and practised good, then there was a blessing for him and his people. Peace, not chaos, will be the reward for the obedient.

Care for the marginalised is a particular mark of “true religion” (James 1.27). Widows, orphans, foreigners – all must be welcomed generously by the people of God.

v6-7: The fruitfulness of Gilead made into a wilderness, the cedar's of Lebanon, used in the royal palace, would be burned up.

v8-9: The destruction of Jerusalem was to be a sign to unbelievers, manifesting the folly of Judah's unbelief and idolatry.

v10: Sorrow for those who did not die, but go into captivity. The NIV adds the word "king" here.

v11-12: Shallum (Jehoahaz), see 2 Chr 36.3-4, had been taken to Egypt where he would die.

v13-14: The kings were men of injustice and greed, unconcerned for their people.  Jehoiakim is particularly addressed here; he sought to maintain the grandeur of his kingdom, whilst not paying his workers, and continuing in idolatry.

v15-16: The commendation of Josiah, who did righteousness and justice, "Is that not what it means to know me?" says the Lord, for here is true faith. We cannot declare that we know God unless we have a testimony of godly living.

v17: Shallum, to whom these words were addressed, was a contrast. He reigned for only 3 months, yet he earned a name for being covetous, shedding innocent blood, practising oppression and violence. He did not follow his father's example.

v18-19: Jehoiakim was the next king, 2 Chr 36.5-8. He was taken by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon; he was renowned for the abominations which he did (2 Kings 23.35-24.7).

v20-23: Those in whom Judah had trusted proved useless; their allies crushed and exiled.  From Lebanon, Bashan, and Abarim, the prophet would climb high, and observe much of Judah.

v24-30: Words addressed to Coniah (also Jeconiah, Jehoiachin). He is referred to in 2 Chr 36.9-10, and reigned for 100 days, and was taken to Babylon with his mother, 2 Kings 24.15. Although Jeconiah was the son of Jehoiakim, the preceding king; Zedekiah, who was the next king, was the son of Josiah, and brother of Jehoiakim; his mother was Hamutal (2 Kings 23.31; 24.18).

Jeconiah was the grandfather of Zerubbabel (Matt 1.12), and was therefore in the line of Joseph.