Chapter Twelve "Was Not That a Case of Knowing Me?"
KING JEHOIAKIM was building a house, and it was to be grand. Plans called for spacious rooms on at least two stories. Large windows would allow sunshine to pour through as well as a constant flow of fresh air to keep the king and his family comfortable. The walls were to be paneled in aromatic cedar from Lebanon. Vermilion, an imported paint, would give the interior the rich red finish that was much-sought-after by the high and mighty of other lands.-Jer. 22:13, 14.2 The cost of the project was considerable.
About that time, the nation's defense and the demands from Egypt ( Egypt, symbolic of dependency on human rule, and a poor spiritual state) for tribute had apparently depleted the treasury. (2 Ki. 23:33-35) But Jehoiakim found a way to pay for his new palace.....
He held back the wages of the construction workers! Jehoiakim treated them like slaves, using their sweat and toil as a contribution toward his monarchy.