It was God's purpose that Jehoiakim should heed the counsels of Jeremiah and thus win favor in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar and save himself much sorrow. The youthful 438 king had sworn allegiance to the Babylonian ruler, and had he remained true to his promise he would have commanded the respect of the heathen, and this would have led to precious opportunities for the conversion of souls.

Det var Guds hensigt, at Jojakim skulle følge Jeremias råd, så han kunne vinde Nebukadnezars velvilje og blive skånet for megen sorg. Den unge konge havde aflagt troskabsed til Babylons hersker. Hvis han havde holdt sit løfte, ville hedningerne have respekteret ham, og mange sjæle kunne være blevet omvendt.