The prophet Jeremiah suffered as he watched Judah during the deportations to Babylon, and the disobedient, hard-hearted kings of Judah only magnified his anguish. In Jeremiah 37, Zedekiah was installed as king of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Jeremiah 37:2-3 records the hypocritical activities of King Zedekiah:
"But neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the Lord which He spoke through Jeremiah the prophet. Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal…, the priest, to Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'Please pray to the Lord our God on our behalf.'"
Jeremiah 37-39 records Zedekiah’s stubborn rebellion against God. As he rebelled, he also asked for the ear of God through Jeremiah the prophet. Zedekiah wanted God to save him, but he was unwilling to obey His word. Zedekiah is a historical example of James 1:5-8.
In James 1:5-8, God offers wisdom to any who lack it. But there are those who ask for God’s wisdom who are unfaithful, unwilling to obey the God to whom they are appealing. God says these should expect nothing from the Lord because they are double-minded and unstable in all their ways.
King Zedekiah’s hypocrisy before God ended with his sons being executed before his eyes, which were subsequently blinded (Jer. 39:7-8). God is still speaking through His Word today. His wisdom is there for those who seek it. Are you praying to God? Have you recently sought the prayers of others? Are you double-minded, speaking to God yet neglecting obedience to His Word, or are you one who prays and obeys, regardless of the cost? Your response to God and His Word reveals whether you should expect anything from Him in answer to your prayers. Pray in faith, not in hypocrisy.