Jeremiah 25:12

KJV

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, when seventy {H7657} years {H8141} are accomplished {H4390}, that I will punish {H6485} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and that nation {H1471}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, for their iniquity {H5771}, and the land {H776} of the Chaldeans {H3778}, and will make {H7760} it perpetual {H5769} desolations {H8077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the seventy years are over, I will punish the king of Bavel and that nation for their sin,' says ADONAI, 'and I will turn the land of the Kasdim into everlasting ruins.

Berean Standard Bible

But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith Jehovah, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it desolate for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:12 declares God's precise and decisive judgment upon Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans, prophesying their downfall after seventy years, which marks the completion of Judah's captivity. This verse underscores the Lord's absolute sovereignty over nations, revealing that even the instruments of His divine discipline are held accountable for their own unrighteousness, culminating in their perpetual desolation as a testament to His unwavering justice and faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:12 stands as a pivotal declaration within a broader prophetic discourse concerning God's judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah 25:11 explicitly states the seventy-year desolation and servitude of Judah to the king of Babylon, serving as a divine punishment for their disobedience. Verse 12 then shifts the focus, revealing that the very nation God used as His instrument of judgment—Babylon—will itself face a commensurate reckoning. This sequential prophecy highlights a crucial theological principle: God holds all nations accountable, and no empire, however mighty, operates outside His ultimate sovereign control. The surrounding chapters, particularly [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against Judah and Nations"), detail the "cup of wrath" that Judah and then many nations, including Babylon, are destined to drink, culminating in the destruction of the earth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25 was delivered in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (605 BC), a critical juncture in Near Eastern history. This was the year of the Battle of Carchemish, where Babylon decisively defeated Egypt, solidifying its position as the dominant regional power. Judah, caught between these empires, had become a vassal state to Babylon. The "seventy years" refers to the period of Judah's exile, which began with Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation in 605 BC and concluded with Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return in 538 BC, a period of approximately 67 years, often rounded to 70 in prophetic language. The Chaldeans were the ruling dynasty of Babylon at this time, known for their military prowess, advanced civilization, and idolatrous practices. Their capital, Babylon, was a city of immense power and splendor, a symbol of human pride and imperial might, making its prophesied "perpetual desolations" a stark and shocking declaration to contemporary ears.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, raising up and bringing down empires according to His perfect timing and purpose, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, affirming that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to "iniquity." Even nations used by God are not exempt from accountability for their own sin, particularly their pride, cruelty, and idolatry. Thirdly, the prophecy of the "seventy years" and the subsequent judgment on Babylon provides a profound message of **Hope and Assurance** for the exiled people of Judah, guaranteeing that their suffering has a definitive end and that their oppressors will face consequences, reinforcing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as later elaborated in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accomplished (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ_):** This verb signifies to "fill" or "be full of," indicating completion, fulfillment, or expiration. In this context, it denotes the precise and divinely ordained end of the seventy-year period of Judah's servitude. It implies that this duration is not arbitrary but a set measure, a full measure of time that must run its course before the next phase of God's plan unfolds. The word conveys a sense of divine precision and certainty in the unfolding of prophetic events.
* **punish (Hebrew, _pâqad_):** This versatile root carries a broad semantic range, including "to visit," "to oversee," "to muster," "to charge," or "to care for." While it can imply a benevolent visitation, in this context, it unequivocally denotes a hostile visitation, an act of judgment, or retribution. God will "visit" Babylon not to bless, but to hold them accountable for their "iniquity," to exact a penalty, and to bring about their downfall. It emphasizes God's active involvement in administering justice.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn_):** This noun refers to perversity, moral evil, guilt, and the punishment resulting from such wrongdoing. It is not merely a mistake but a deliberate twisting or deviation from God's righteous standard. Babylon's "iniquity" encompasses its idolatry, its oppressive and cruel treatment of conquered peoples (including Judah), and its arrogant defiance of the one true God. The judgment is therefore not arbitrary but a just consequence of their deep-seated moral corruption and rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished,"**: This opening clause establishes the precise divine timeline for the events to follow. The "seventy years" refers to the duration of Judah's exile in Babylon, a period divinely appointed for their discipline and purification. The phrase "are accomplished" emphasizes the certainty and completion of this period, signaling a turning point in God's redemptive history.
* **"that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation,"**: Here, the subject shifts from Judah's captivity to Babylon's impending judgment. The "I will punish" highlights God's direct and personal agency in this act of retribution. The judgment is directed specifically at "the king of Babylon," representing the head of the empire, and "that nation," encompassing the entire Babylonian people, signifying a comprehensive and devastating divine decree against them.
* **"saith the LORD, for their iniquity,"**: This parenthetical phrase, "saith the LORD," serves as a divine authentication of the prophecy, underscoring its absolute authority and certainty. It confirms that this is not merely Jeremiah's human prediction but a direct oracle from Yahweh, the covenant God. The reason for Babylon's punishment is explicitly stated: "for their iniquity," emphasizing that God's judgment is always righteous and provoked by sin, not arbitrary whim.
* **"and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations."**: This final clause specifies the extent and nature of the judgment. The punishment extends beyond the king and nation to the very "land of the Chaldeans," indicating a geographical and environmental devastation. The phrase "perpetual desolations" signifies a complete, lasting, and irreversible ruin, a state of utter waste and uninhabited wilderness, serving as a stark monument to God's justice against a proud and wicked empire.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Pronouncement** is central, marked by the authoritative phrase "saith the LORD," which imbues the prophecy with undeniable divine authority and certainty. The specification of "seventy years" functions as a form of **Prophetic Precision**, lending credibility to the divine foreknowledge and control over historical events. The declaration of "perpetual desolations" is a powerful use of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and lasting nature of Babylon's destruction, though it also reflects a grim historical reality as the city eventually became a desolate ruin. There is also an element of **Irony** at play: Babylon, chosen by God as His instrument of judgment against Judah, now faces judgment itself, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends even to those who unwittingly serve His purposes, holding them accountable for their own moral failings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:12 is a profound testament to God's unwavering justice, His absolute sovereignty over all nations, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. It reveals that while God may use wicked nations as instruments for His disciplinary purposes (Habakkuk 1:6), He never condones their sin. Instead, He holds them accountable for their own pride, cruelty, and idolatry, ensuring that ultimate justice will prevail. This principle reassures believers that no injustice goes unnoticed by God and that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to His divine timeline and judgment. The specific mention of "seventy years" also underscores God's meticulous control over history, providing a beacon of hope for the oppressed, knowing that their suffering has a divinely appointed end.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation")
* [Daniel 5:30-31](/daniel/5-30 "Daniel 5:30-31 - The Fall of Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:12 offers profound reassurance and a sobering warning for all generations. For those who feel overwhelmed by the power of oppressive systems or who witness widespread injustice, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately in control. No nation, no ruler, and no human system, however mighty or seemingly invincible, operates outside the purview of His divine justice. God has a timeline for all things, and His promises of judgment against wickedness and restoration for His people will inevitably be fulfilled. This should inspire patient endurance and unwavering faith in God's perfect timing and righteous character. Conversely, it serves as a stark warning against national pride, unchecked power, and the accumulation of "iniquity." It calls individuals and nations alike to humility, repentance, and adherence to God's moral standards, for accountability before Him is certain and inescapable. Ultimately, it invites us to align our lives and our hopes with the eternal purposes of the sovereign Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 25:12 challenge our perception of earthly power and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy offer hope to those experiencing oppression or injustice today?**
* **What "iniquities" in our own lives or societies might God be calling us to repent of, in light of Babylon's judgment?**
* **How does trusting in God's perfect timing, as demonstrated by the "seventy years," impact our patience and perseverance in difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seventy years" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "seventy years" refers to the divinely appointed duration of Judah's Babylonian exile and servitude, as first declared in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Judah's Seventy Years of Desolation"). This period was a disciplinary measure for Judah's persistent sin and idolatry. Jeremiah 25:12 then prophesies that once this period of judgment on Judah is "accomplished," God will turn His attention to Babylon, the very nation He used as His instrument, and punish them for their own "iniquity." This specific timeframe underscores God's precise control over historical events and His commitment to both discipline and ultimate restoration. The prophecy was fulfilled as the Babylonian Empire fell to the Medes and Persians around 539 BC, roughly 70 years after the first deportation of Jews in 605 BC, leading to the Jews' return to their homeland as promised in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:12, with its declaration of divine judgment upon Babylon after a set period, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of God's sovereign control over history and His final, decisive victory over all evil. Just as God precisely timed the seventy years of Judah's exile and Babylon's subsequent fall, so too did He orchestrate the perfect timing of Christ's advent, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, fulfilling prophecies concerning the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "iniquity" of Babylon, which brought about its desolation, foreshadows the universal human condition of sin, which only Christ's sacrifice could address, offering forgiveness and reconciliation rather than perpetual desolation for those who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Furthermore, the "perpetual desolations" pronounced upon earthly Babylon point to the ultimate and eternal judgment that awaits all unrighteousness and rebellion against God, culminating in the final destruction of "Babylon the Great" in the book of Revelation ([Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")). Yet, in Christ, God's people are not destined for desolation but for an eternal kingdom, a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2_peter/3-13](/2-peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), established by the King of Kings, whose dominion is everlasting and whose justice is perfectly executed in grace and truth ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 9:2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 13:19

¶ And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Isaiah 14:23

I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of water: and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 50:1

¶ The word that the LORD spake against Babylon [and] against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.

Jeremiah 50:46

At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.

Ezra 1:1

¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and [put it] also in writing, saying,