Jeremiah 25:20

KJV

And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the mingled {H6153} people, and all the kings {H4428} of the land {H776} of Uz {H5780}, and all the kings {H4428} of the land {H776} of the Philistines {H6430}, and Ashkelon {H831}, and Azzah {H5804}, and Ekron {H6138}, and the remnant {H7611} of Ashdod {H795},

Complete Jewish Bible

and foreign; all the kings of the land of 'Utz; all the kings of the land of the P'lishtim, Ashkelon, 'Azah, 'Ekron and those remaining in Ashdod;

Berean Standard Bible

all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;

American Standard Version

and all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Gaza, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:20 is a crucial component of Jeremiah's sweeping "cup of wrath" prophecy, which details God's comprehensive judgment upon numerous nations. This verse meticulously enumerates specific peoples and regions situated to the west and south of Judah, including the "mingled people," the kings of Uz, and the prominent Philistine city-states of Ashkelon, Azzah (Gaza), Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod. It powerfully underscores the universal scope of divine retribution, which would be executed through Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, demonstrating that no nation or people group, regardless of their perceived strength or geographical remoteness, is beyond the reach of God's sovereign accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:20 is deeply embedded within a significant prophetic oracle, often termed the "cup of wrath" prophecy, which spans [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15-29 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of Wrath Prophecy"). In this vivid vision, Yahweh commands Jeremiah to take a cup brimming with His furious judgment and compel all the nations to drink from it. This symbolic act powerfully conveys the widespread and devastating nature of the impending divine retribution. The preceding verses establish that this judgment will commence with Jerusalem and the cities of Judah ([Jeremiah 25:18](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18 - Judgment Begins with Judah")), before extending its reach to a vast array of surrounding nations. The instrument of this judgment is explicitly identified as [Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant"), whom God designates as His servant to execute His wrath. Verse 20, therefore, functions as a specific and detailed enumeration of some of the recipients of this judgment, illustrating the precise geographical breadth of God's sovereign decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE represented a period of profound geopolitical upheaval across the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in decline, yielding its power to the ascendant Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II. Judah, often caught precariously between these shifting imperial powers, frequently sought alliances or endured invasions. The nations listed in Jeremiah 25:20 represent distinct peoples and regions that maintained historical, cultural, or geographical connections with Judah, often characterized by conflict. The "land of Uz" is traditionally associated with northern Arabia or Edom, suggesting the expansive reach of God's judgment even to more remote and less directly involved areas. The "land of the Philistines" refers to the fertile coastal plain southwest of Judah, home to a confederacy of powerful city-states (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ekron, Ashdod, and Gath). These Philistine cities were long-standing adversaries of Israel, frequently engaging in warfare, cultural clashes, and idolatrous practices. Their inclusion underscores God's justice against those who had historically oppressed His chosen people and defied His covenant. The mention of a "remnant of Ashdod" might imply that this city had already suffered a prior significant blow, perhaps from Egyptian or Babylonian incursions, underscoring the cumulative and thorough nature of divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts the theme of **Universal Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends far beyond Israel to encompass all nations. No people group, regardless of their perceived strength or geographical isolation, is exempt from His ultimate accountability. This expansive view contrasts sharply with any limited understanding of God as merely a tribal deity. Secondly, the meticulous listing of nations reinforces the theme of the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasizing the precision and certainty with which God's word will be accomplished. Jeremiah's prophecies, often met with skepticism and resistance, are shown to be divinely ordained and meticulously detailed, assuring their inevitable execution. Thirdly, the inclusion of these nations, many of whom were notorious for their idolatry, violence, and persistent opposition to God's people, underscores the **Consequences of Sin**. Their impending judgment serves as a stark reminder that defiance of God's moral order inevitably leads to divine retribution, a principle echoed throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Amos 1-2](/amos/1-2 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations")). This universal judgment ultimately serves to vindicate God's righteousness and establish His supreme authority over all earthly kingdoms, a truth powerfully articulated in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over the Kingdoms of Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. This term appears twice in the verse, referring to "all the kings of the land of Uz" and "all the kings of the land of the Philistines." It signifies the rulers or reigning authorities of these nations, indicating that the divine judgment would encompass not only the people but also their leadership, dismantling their political structures and power. The judgment targets the very heads of these societies, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's wrath.
* **Philistine (Hebrew, _Pᵉlishtîy'_):** Patrial from פְּלֶשֶׁת; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine. This refers to the people group inhabiting the coastal region southwest of Judah. Their inclusion highlights the judgment against a long-standing and significant adversary of Israel. The Philistines, known for their military prowess and idolatrous practices, represent a distinct cultural and political entity facing God's wrath.
* **Remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** From שָׁאַר; a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion; that had escaped, be left, posterity, remain(-der), remnant, residue, rest. The mention of "the remnant of Ashdod" is particularly poignant. It suggests that Ashdod had already experienced significant devastation, and this prophecy targets whatever portion of its population or power remained. This term underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment, which would consume even what little was left of a previously strong city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the mingled people":** This phrase (Hebrew: `ereb`) likely refers to a mixed multitude, possibly nomadic Arabian tribes or diverse foreign residents living in or around the specified regions. It indicates that God's judgment would extend beyond established kingdoms to include various unaligned or transient groups, signifying the all-encompassing nature of His wrath.
* **"and all the kings of the land of Uz":** This refers to the rulers of Uz, a region traditionally located in the northern Arabian desert or near Edom, famously known as the homeland of Job. Its inclusion demonstrates the far-reaching scope of God's judgment, extending even to geographically distant or less directly involved regions.
* **"and all the kings of the land of the Philistines":** This denotes the rulers of the Philistine confederacy, a powerful group of city-states southwest of Judah. Their inclusion highlights the judgment against a long-standing historical enemy of Israel, emphasizing divine justice for their historical antagonism and idolatry.
* **"and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron":** These are three of the five major Philistine city-states (the others being Gath and Ashdod). Their specific naming underscores the precision of the prophecy, targeting the heart of Philistine power and influence. These cities were centers of Philistine culture, trade, and military strength.
* **"and the remnant of Ashdod":** Ashdod was another significant Philistine city. The qualification "remnant" suggests that Ashdod had already suffered a previous destructive event, perhaps a siege or conquest, prior to this ultimate judgment. This indicates that God's judgment is thorough, affecting even what little remains of a once-powerful entity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:20 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Listing**, meticulously detailing the various nations and cities destined for judgment. This extensive catalog serves to emphasize the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's wrath, leaving no doubt about its universal scope. The repeated phrase "all the kings" alongside the specific mention of cities like Ashkelon, Azzah, and Ekron, utilizes a form of **Metonymy**, where the cities represent their inhabitants and political entities, and the kings represent the entire ruling structure. The inclusion of "the remnant of Ashdod" is a poignant detail, employing **Synecdoche** (a part representing the whole, or a specific detail highlighting a broader condition) to suggest a prior state of devastation, making the impending judgment even more final and complete. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divine declaration of future events, characterized by its authoritative tone and direct pronouncements of judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. It reveals that divine judgment is not arbitrary but is meted out according to the moral and spiritual condition of peoples, irrespective of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The inclusion of diverse groups, from the remote "kings of Uz" to the historically antagonistic Philistine cities, underscores that God's justice is universal and inescapable. This comprehensive judgment serves to demonstrate God's righteousness and His ultimate control over history, ensuring that all wickedness will eventually face accountability. It is a stark reminder that earthly power and alliances are fleeting, and true security lies only in alignment with the divine will.

* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13-1-22 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") - A detailed oracle against Babylon, demonstrating God's use of one nation to judge others, and then judging the instrument itself.
* [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1-3-2-16 "Amos 1:3-2:16 - Oracles Against the Nations") - A series of oracles against various surrounding nations, including Philistine cities, highlighting God's judgment on universal sin.
* [Psalm 22:28](/psalms/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - God Rules Over All Nations") - Declares that "the kingdom is the Lord's, and he rules over the nations," affirming God's universal dominion.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:20 serves as a profound reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation, including the rise and fall of nations. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, international conflicts, and the relentless pursuit of power, this verse grounds us in the truth that there is a higher authority to whom all earthly powers are ultimately accountable. It challenges us to consider our own lives and communities in light of divine justice, prompting introspection on whether our actions, values, and societal structures align with God's righteous standards. While the immediate context is one of historical judgment, the underlying principle remains timeless: God's justice will prevail, and no one is exempt from the consequences of their choices. This should cultivate a deep sense of humility, urging us to trust in God's ultimate control over history and to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him, rather than relying on fleeting earthly strengths or succumbing to the pride and idolatry that characterized these ancient nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment in this verse challenge my understanding of His character and sovereignty?**
* **What "mingled people" or diverse groups in my own society might be overlooked, yet are still under God's watchful eye and accountability?**
* **In what ways might my life or my community be exhibiting the kind of pride, idolatry, or injustice that led to judgment for these ancient nations?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment encourage me to live with greater integrity and a deeper reliance on His unchanging truth?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "mingled people" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "mingled people" (Hebrew: `ereb`) is a somewhat ambiguous term in biblical literature. In this context, it generally refers to a diverse, non-Israelite population. It could signify a "mixed multitude" of various foreign residents living within or alongside the established kingdoms, or more specifically, nomadic Arabian tribes who inhabited the desert regions bordering Judah and the nations listed. Their inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, extending beyond well-defined political entities to include even less structured or transient groups, highlighting that no one is outside the purview of divine accountability.

**Why are these specific nations and cities, particularly the Philistine ones, singled out for judgment?**

Answer: The nations and cities listed in [Jeremiah 25:20](/jeremiah/25-20 "Jeremiah 25:20 - Nations to Drink the Cup of Wrath") were strategically significant and had long, often adversarial, relationships with Judah. The "land of Uz" represents a more distant, perhaps remote, region, highlighting the far reach of God's judgment. The Philistine cities—Ashkelon, Azzah (Gaza), Ekron, and Ashdod—were prominent city-states of the Philistine confederacy, located on the coastal plain southwest of Judah. Historically, the Philistines were formidable enemies of Israel, frequently engaging in warfare, practicing idolatry, and oppressing God's people. Their inclusion underscores God's justice against those who had consistently defied Him and harmed His chosen nation. The mention of a "remnant of Ashdod" might also suggest a prior judgment or decline, indicating the cumulative nature of divine retribution. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the precision and certainty of God's prophetic word, ensuring that no historical wrong goes unaddressed and that God's righteous judgment is comprehensive.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Jeremiah 25:20](/jeremiah/25-20 "Jeremiah 25:20 - Nations to Drink the Cup of Wrath") speaks of a historical judgment executed through Babylon, its deeper theological currents flow towards the ultimate judgment and universal sovereignty embodied in Jesus Christ. The "cup of wrath" imagery, first presented to Jeremiah, finds its profound fulfillment in the New Testament. Christ Himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed to have the "cup" removed from Him ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), signifying the immense weight of divine wrath against sin that He was about to bear on the cross. He drank the cup of God's fury so that those who believe in Him might be spared from it. Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the sovereign King over all nations, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). The comprehensive judgment described in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment at the end of time, when Christ will return as the righteous Judge of all humanity, separating the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The specific listing of nations in Jeremiah 25:20 points to the universal scope of God's accountability, which culminates in Christ's final reign, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the prophecy in Jeremiah, while historical, ultimately points to the comprehensive judgment and universal reign of the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the scroll of judgment and execute divine justice ([Revelation 5:1-10](/revelation/5-1-10 "Revelation 5:1-10 - The Lamb is Worthy to Open the Scroll")).

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

Job 1:1

¶ There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name [was] Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Lamentations 4:21

¶ Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.

Ezekiel 30:5

Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Isaiah 20:1

¶ In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;

Jeremiah 47:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

Jeremiah 47:7

How can it be quiet, seeing the LORD hath given it a charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore? there hath he appointed it.