Albert Barnes Commentary Jeremiah 22:15

"Shalt thou reign, because thou strivest to excel in cedar? Did not thy father eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with him." — Jeremiah 22:15 (ASV)

That is, will your buildings make your reign continue? These words imply that Jehoiakim was looking forward to, and taking measures to secure, a long continuance of power .

If so, Jeremiah probably wrote this prophecy before Jehoiakim revolted (2 Kings 24:1); and it, therefore, probably belongs to the same date as that of Jeremiah 36:30, written as it was in the interval between Nebuchadnezzar's first conquest of Jerusalem and Jehoiakim’s rebellion, and when Jeremiah was out of the reach of the tyrant’s power.

Closest thyself in cedar - Rather, you vie “in cedar;” that is, you vie with Solomon.

Did not thy father eat and drink ... - That is, he was prosperous and enjoyed life. There is a contrast between the life of Josiah, spent in the discharge of his kingly duties, and that of Jehoiakim, busy with ambitious plans of splendor and aggrandisement.