Jeremiah 25:21

KJV

Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon,

KJV (with Strong's)

Edom {H123}, and Moab {H4124}, and the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983},

Complete Jewish Bible

Edom, Mo'av, and the people of 'Amon;

Berean Standard Bible

Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites;

American Standard Version

Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:21 is a concise yet potent declaration within the "cup of wrath" prophecy, explicitly naming Edom, Moab, and the children of Ammon as recipients of God's impending judgment. This verse underscores the universality of divine justice, demonstrating that God's sovereign authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, holding them accountable for their actions, particularly their historical antagonism toward His people and their widespread idolatry. It serves as a stark reminder that no nation is exempt from the consequences of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:21 is embedded within a comprehensive prophecy concerning God's judgment upon Judah and the surrounding nations, often referred to as the "cup of wrath" prophecy, which commences in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath"). Following the seventy-year Babylonian captivity decreed for Judah ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Captivity")), the prophet Jeremiah is commanded to administer a symbolic cup of God's furious wrath to all nations, beginning with Jerusalem and Judah, then extending to a wide array of kingdoms. This list, spanning [Jeremiah 25:18-26](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18-26 - Nations to Drink the Cup"), systematically names various peoples and their kings, signifying that God's judgment is not arbitrary but comprehensive, touching every corner of the known world. The inclusion of Edom, Moab, and Ammon in this specific verse highlights their prominent position among Judah's immediate neighbors and their long-standing history of interaction with Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Edom, Moab, and Ammon were three prominent Transjordanian nations, sharing borders and often contentious relationships with ancient Israel and Judah. Edom, descended from Esau ([Genesis 36:1](/genesis/36-1 "Genesis 36:1 - Esau's Descendants")), occupied the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, known for its strategic trade routes and a history of bitter enmity towards Israel, particularly evident during times of Judah's distress. Moab and Ammon, both descended from Lot through incestuous unions ([Genesis 19:37-38](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37-38 - Origin of Moab and Ammon")), inhabited territories east and northeast of the Dead Sea, respectively. These nations frequently engaged in border disputes, raids, and military conflicts with Israel, often aligning against them or exploiting their vulnerabilities. Culturally, they practiced idolatry, worshipping deities such as Chemosh (Moab) and Molech (Ammon), which often involved abhorrent rituals, including child sacrifice. Their inclusion in this prophetic judgment reflects their persistent hostility towards God's covenant people and their pervasive pagan practices, which stood in direct opposition to the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority not only over His chosen people but over all nations and their destinies. The "cup of wrath" motif underscores **Universal Judgment**, revealing that sin and rebellion against God, whether by covenant people or gentile nations, will inevitably face divine retribution. The specific naming of these nations also emphasizes the **Consequences of Enmity and Idolatry**, as their historical antagonism towards Israel and their pagan worship are direct affronts to the one true God. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Reliability of Prophetic Fulfillment**, as these judgments were largely executed through the Babylonian empire, serving as God's instrument, thus affirming the truthfulness of God's word, a theme consistently highlighted in Jeremiah, such as in the detailed prophecies against these nations found in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") and [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Edom (Hebrew, _ʼĔdôm'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "red," referencing Esau's reddish appearance at birth ([Genesis 25:25](/genesis/25-25 "Genesis 25:25 - Esau's Birth")). This name not only identifies the people and their territory (Idumaea) but also subtly hints at their character, often associated with a fiery, hostile disposition, and their bloody history of conflict with Israel. Their lineage from Esau, Jacob's brother, underscores a tragic familial rivalry that escalated into national animosity.
* **Moab (Hebrew, _Môwʼâb'_):** Meaning "from her (the mother's) father," this name directly points to the incestuous origin of the Moabite people through Lot and his elder daughter ([Genesis 19:37](/genesis/19-37 "Genesis 19:37 - Origin of Moab")). The name itself carries a stigma of their foundational sin, reflecting a people known for their pride, idolatry (worshipping Chemosh), and consistent opposition to Israel, from the time of the Exodus to the Babylonian period.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This term, meaning "son" or "child," is used in a broad sense to denote descendants, members of a group, or even a nation. In "children of Ammon," it signifies the collective posterity of Ammon, the son of Lot. The use of "children" emphasizes their lineage and collective identity as a distinct people group, united by their common ancestor and shared history, including their consistent hostility towards Israel.
* **Ammon (Hebrew, _ʻAmmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "tribal" or "inbred," this name, like Moab, alludes to the incestuous origin of the Ammonites through Lot and his younger daughter ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Origin of Ammon")). The name encapsulates their distinct tribal identity and their close, albeit problematic, familial ties to Israel through Lot. The Ammonites were notorious for their worship of Molech and their aggressive expansionist tendencies, frequently clashing with Israel over territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Edom,"**: The first nation listed, Edom, represents the descendants of Esau, known for their mountainous stronghold and a long-standing, often bitter, animosity towards Israel. Their inclusion signifies that even those with a shared patriarchal lineage are not exempt from God's judgment when they persistently oppose His people and His will.
* **"and Moab,"**: Following Edom, Moab is named, representing the descendants of Lot, located on the fertile plateau east of the Dead Sea. Moab's history is marked by idolatry (worshipping Chemosh) and repeated conflicts with Israel, including their refusal to provide aid during the Exodus and their involvement in the Balaam incident. Their judgment underscores God's condemnation of pride, paganism, and hostility towards His covenant nation.
* **"and the children of Ammon,"**: The final nation in this specific enumeration, the children of Ammon, also descendants of Lot, occupied regions northeast of the Dead Sea. Like Moab, they were persistent adversaries of Israel, known for their aggressive expansionism and the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice to Molech. Their inclusion completes the trio of immediate Transjordanian neighbors who would share in the "cup of wrath," highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment on those who defied Him and oppressed His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:21 primarily employs **Enumeration**, a literary device where a list of items is provided, in this case, a specific list of nations. This enumeration serves to emphasize the comprehensive scope of God's judgment, demonstrating that His wrath is not limited to a single people but extends to all who oppose Him. The specific naming of Edom, Moab, and Ammon also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the name of the nation stands for its people, its rulers, and its collective actions and character. The inclusion of these three nations, familiar adversaries of Israel, creates a sense of **Foreshadowing** for the detailed prophecies against them that follow later in the book of Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") and [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam")), confirming the reliability and specificity of God's prophetic word. The very act of naming them in a list of judgment also carries a strong **Symbolism** of their impending downfall and the universal reach of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:21 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's universal sovereignty and impartial justice. While God has a special covenant relationship with Israel, His authority and moral standards extend to all nations. The judgment pronounced upon Edom, Moab, and Ammon demonstrates that no people group, regardless of their perceived strength, geographical isolation, or historical lineage, is beyond God's scrutiny or immune to the consequences of their sin. Their long histories of pride, idolatry, and hostility toward God's people were meticulously recorded in divine memory, leading to their inevitable reckoning. This serves as a profound reminder that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice for all humanity, and His kingdom is not confined by national borders or human alliances.

* [Psalm 9:17](/psalm/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Shall Be Turned Into Hell")
* [Amos 1:3-15](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3-15 - Prophecies Against Nations")
* [Romans 2:5-11](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-11 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:21, though addressing ancient nations, carries profound contemporary relevance. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of all nations and peoples, holding them accountable for their actions. This should inspire both humility and a sense of responsibility. For individuals, it calls for introspection, prompting us to consider whether our lives reflect submission to God's universal moral law or if we, like these nations, harbor pride, hostility, or idolatry in our hearts. For communities and nations, it serves as a stark warning against injustice, oppression, and the rejection of divine truth. Ultimately, it encourages us to trust in God's perfect justice, knowing that all wrongs will eventually be made right, and to align our lives and societies with His righteous standards, seeking His mercy and living in accordance with His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universality of God's judgment, as seen in this verse, shape my understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be exhibiting forms of pride, hostility, or idolatry that stand in opposition to God's will?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of these prophecies strengthen my faith in the reliability of God's word for today?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific nations (Edom, Moab, Ammon) singled out for judgment?**

Answer: Edom, Moab, and Ammon were singled out not arbitrarily, but because of their consistent and long-standing history of antagonism towards Israel, God's covenant people, and their pervasive idolatrous practices. They frequently exploited Israel's weaknesses, engaged in border conflicts, and worshipped pagan deities like Chemosh and Molech, often involving abhorrent rituals. Their inclusion in the "cup of wrath" prophecy, which begins in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath"), highlights that God's justice extends to all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and their rejection of true worship. Jeremiah's prophecies against these nations are further detailed in [Jeremiah 48](/jeremiah/48 "Jeremiah 48 - Prophecy Against Moab") and [Jeremiah 49](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Prophecies Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam"), outlining their specific offenses.

**Does God's judgment on these ancient nations have any relevance for people today?**

Answer: Absolutely. The judgment on these ancient nations serves as a timeless theological principle: God is sovereign over all creation and holds all peoples accountable for their actions. It demonstrates that sin, whether individual or national, carries consequences, and that God's justice is impartial. For believers, it reinforces the call to live righteously and to trust in God's ultimate vindication. For all, it's a warning against pride, idolatry, and hostility, encouraging repentance and a turning towards God's righteous standards. The consistent fulfillment of these prophecies also strengthens our faith in the reliability of God's word and His promises, both of judgment and salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:21 speaks of specific judgments on ancient nations, its ultimate fulfillment and theological resonance are profoundly Christ-centered. The "cup of wrath" that these nations were forced to drink foreshadows the ultimate cup of divine wrath that Jesus Christ, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly drank on the cross. In His suffering, Christ absorbed the full fury of God's righteous judgment against the sins of all humanity, not just the nations listed in Jeremiah, but every individual from every tribe and tongue ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Through His atoning sacrifice, the curse of sin and the threat of divine wrath are removed for all who believe in Him ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate King and Judge, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His future return will see the final and complete judgment of all nations ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Judges the Nations")), not merely those in the ancient Near East, but every kingdom and people group, establishing His eternal reign of righteousness and peace ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, the universal judgment hinted at in Jeremiah finds its ultimate and redemptive culmination in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Jeremiah 48:1

¶ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

Jeremiah 49:22

Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

Psalms 137:7

¶ Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase [it], rase [it, even] to the foundation thereof.

Jeremiah 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

Obadiah 1:1

¶ The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord GOD concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.

Obadiah 1:16

For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, [so] shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.

Ezekiel 32:29

There [is] Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by [them that were] slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit.