Jeremiah 22:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For this reason, the Lord spoke to Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying that they should not grieve, “alas, sir, alas, brethren.” Some have suggested that this differs from previous statements, but I believe it is in harmony with them. The message I perceive is that he was reminding them of the events that transpired during Jehoiakim's reign, which he had predicted, to affirm the accuracy of his message. The words from the Greek translation are presented here in the Patrology in a manner that does not fully correspond and is not arranged in the same sequence as in the ancient Greek texts, with which the Slavonic version generally aligns.

They will not grieve for him... The donkey is to be buried in its burial. King Nebuchadnezzar executed Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, who had betrayed him on three occasions; Jehoiakim's remains were drawn out and discarded far beyond the walls of Jerusalem into a place of impurity.

Thus says the Lord to Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah: there will be no mourning for him, saying ‘Alas, brother!’ or ‘Alas, sister!’ nor will anyone lament, ‘Alas, ruler!’ or ‘Alas, renowned one!’ He will be buried like a donkey, his body decaying and cast outside the gates of Jerusalem. The phrase we derive from the Hebrew, indicating they shall not grieve for him, ‘Alas, brother! and alas, sister!’ is absent in the Septuagint. This speaks directly of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, shedding light on a previously obscure mystery regarding which of the three brothers it referred to; it is neither Jehoahaz nor Zedekiah, but rather Jehoiakim himself. Historical records about him reveal he was slain by marauders from the Chaldeans, Syrians, Ammonites, and Moabites.

The Lord declares, "For this reason," regarding Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah. Following this proclamation, the prophecy unfolds chronologically, as Jehoahaz is succeeded by Jehoiakim, the other son of King Josiah. The prophet predicts his downfall as well. “They will not lament for him, 'Alas for me, Lord!' or 'Alas for me, brother!' They will not mourn for him, 'Oh brother, alas for me, brother!'" (Jer. 22:19). "In the grave, he shall not find a burial," and like refuse, he shall be discarded from "the gates of Jerusalem." It is evident that Sellim is distinct from Joachim, as it is stated that he "will not see this land" but will perish in his waywardness.