Is this not to know me?

 Jeremiah 22:15–17 (ESV)

15Do you think you are a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him.
16He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? declares the LORD.
17But you have eyes and heart only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.”

Josiah was the last righteous king of Judah. He brought revival of the covenant practices God required. He was a king who was concerned for the poor and needy. He was just in his dealings with the people and God rewarded him for his obedience. But shortly after his death, his children became the kings of Judah and they did not follow the ways of their father but practiced everything against God's ways. They were men of violence, shedding of innocent blood and oppression.

The contrast of kings is very evident. Josiah knew God and knew the ways of God teaching them to the people. But the succeeding kings were materialistic and did not follow the laws of God leading the people back into idolatry. It only takes one generation to bring evil or good. When the laws and ways of God are passed on to the next generation, the blessings of God will follow. This is why it is so important for parents and leaders to teach the next generation how to live in a manner that is pleasing to God and will bring prosperity and peace to the nation.