Jeremiah 22-23:6

  Jeremiah is sent to speak directly to the king of Judah.  Once again the message is plain and forthright, " Do justice and righteousness and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor.  Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place." 

Do this.  Obey this.... and the country will be saved.  The kingdom will be delivered.
Don't do this.. don't obey.. and the who place will become desolate.. a wilderness, with nothing left.

The king who obeyed God's word, who did justice and righteousness, who pled the cause of the needy... is the one who could testify that all "was well with him."  " Is that not what it means to know Me? declares the Lord."  A few of Israel's kings would fit that description - David,  Josiah, Hezekiah.
But, most of them were "competing in cedar".  Trying to build bigger houses and have finer things.
".. your eyes and your heart are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, and on shedding innocent blood and on practicing oppression and extortion. " 

The Lord was going to cut off the line of Jehoiachin. No other king from David's line would sit on the throne until the "righteous Branch" would come.  " And He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely ; and this is His name by which He will be called, 'The Lord our righteousness'". ( 23:5-6) 

The shepherds of Israel had failed to lead.  They destroyed and scattered the sheep.  The Lord says that He, Himself will gather His flock.  He will raise up new shepherds.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd has come to gather His flock.  ".. and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, declares the Lord."  Hallelujah!

Father in heaven,  we give You praise for You are God who is near.   You fill the heavens and the earth.  You see all things and You know us completely.  Your Word is truth and there is none like You.
Our God, who loves justice and righteousness, who cares for the needy and afflicted, and who reigns with majesty, we love You and desire to love You more and more.. with all of our being.  Jesus, Messiah and King, we bow before You and worship You.  You are wise and gentle, merciful and compassionate in Your love for us, Your sheep.  Tend to us, lead us, deliver us, and hold us near to Your own loving heart we pray. Amen