Jeremiah 25:14

For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.

For many {H7227} nations {H1471} and great {H1419} kings {H4428} shall serve {H5647} themselves of them also: and I will recompense {H7999} them according to their deeds {H6467}, and according to the works {H4639} of their own hands {H3027}.

For they too will become slaves to many nations and to powerful kings; I will pay them back according to their deeds and the work of their own hands.'

For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’”

For many nations and great kings shall make bondmen of them, even of them; and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the work of their hands.

Jeremiah 25:14 is a pivotal verse in Jeremiah's prophecy, revealing God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over all nations. Following the declaration of Judah's seventy-year servitude to Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11), this verse assures that the very nations and kings God used as instruments of judgment will themselves face divine retribution.

Context

This verse is part of a broader prophetic discourse in Jeremiah chapter 25. The prophet Jeremiah has just announced a devastating seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity for the people of Judah due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. However, God, in His perfect justice, does not forget the oppressors. Verse 14 serves as a promise of future judgment against Babylon and other nations that would "serve themselves" of Judah, meaning they would exploit and oppress God's people beyond God's intended purpose of discipline. This sets the stage for the detailed prophecies against various nations, particularly Babylon, found in later chapters like Jeremiah 50-51.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The core message is that God's justice extends to all. Even when He uses a nation, like Babylon, to punish His people, He holds that nation accountable for its own wickedness and the excessive cruelty it might inflict. The phrase "I will recompense them according to their deeds" underscores that no one is above divine scrutiny.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Nations: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute control over world affairs. He raises up nations and brings them down, using them for His purposes, yet they remain responsible for their choices. This theme is also evident in Isaiah 10:5-7 concerning Assyria.
  • The Principle of Reaping What You Sow: The idea that nations will be judged "according to the works of their own hands" is a fundamental biblical principle. It highlights direct accountability for actions, a concept echoed throughout Scripture, notably in the New Testament in Galatians 6:7.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "recompense" is shillem (שִׁלֵּם), which implies a full payment, completion, or retribution. It suggests that God will not merely punish but will settle accounts justly and completely based on their actions. The phrase "according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands" emphasizes a precise and equitable judgment, directly proportional to the actions committed, leaving no room for unaddressed injustice.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 25:14 offers several timeless truths for contemporary reflection:

  • Assurance for the Oppressed: For those who face injustice or oppression, this verse provides comfort and hope. It reminds us that God sees all and will ultimately bring justice to every situation, even when it seems delayed.
  • Universal Accountability: It serves as a stark reminder that all individuals and nations are accountable to God for their actions. Power or temporary success does not exempt anyone from divine judgment.
  • Trust in God's Plan: Even amidst suffering or confusing global events, this verse encourages trust in God's overarching plan. He remains sovereign, orchestrating history, and ensuring that justice will ultimately prevail.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 51:6

    Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

  • Jeremiah 50:9

    ¶ For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows [shall be] as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.

  • Jeremiah 27:7

    And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

  • Jeremiah 50:41

    Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation, and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

  • Jeremiah 50:29

    Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 50:34

    Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

  • Isaiah 45:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

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