Jeremiah — Chapter 22
Synopsis: Second book of Jeremiah's oracles (beginning here). Rebuke of successive kings: Shallum (Jehoahaz) — go weep for him, he will never return; Jehoiakim — he built his palace by forced labor; Jechoniah (Coniah) — though a signet ring on God's right hand, he will be cast off; the Messianic promise of a true King.
Verse 13
Woe to him that buildeth up his house by injustice, and his chambers not in judgment: that will oppress his friend without cause, and will not give him his wages. Against Jehoiakim who built lavish palaces with forced and unpaid labor. Lapide: one of the great prophetic denunciations of economic exploitation — the unpaid laborer's wages 'cry to heaven' (Jas.5:4).
Verse 29
O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. The triple summons of the earth to hear God's judgment on Coniah (Jechoniah). Lapide: the triple 'earth' is an example of the prophetic tricolon of urgency (like 'Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus,' but here for judgment rather than praise).