4:20 the Lord’s anointed. This is a reference to hope in the Davidic king, especially following Josiah’s reform (2 Kin. 22; 23). This reform, though religious, had also asserted Judah’s independence and seemed to confirm the ancient promise to David (2 Sam. 7). The last king of Judah, deported by Nebuchadnezzar, was Zedekiah (2 Kin. 25:7). Yet Jeremiah promised final salvation through the righteous Branch of David, the Messiah (Jer. 23:5–8).