Jeremiah 25:22

KJV

And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the kings {H4428} of Tyrus {H6865}, and all the kings {H4428} of Zidon {H6721}, and the kings {H4428} of the isles {H339} which are beyond {H5676} the sea {H3220},

Complete Jewish Bible

all the kings of Tzor, of Tzidon and of the coastlands across the sea;

Berean Standard Bible

all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea;

American Standard Version

and all the kings of Tyre, and all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the isle which is beyond the sea;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:22 is a specific indictment within a sweeping prophetic oracle, detailing God's impending judgment upon various nations through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. This verse specifically names the powerful maritime city-states of Tyre and Sidon, along with the rulers of distant Mediterranean islands, marking them as recipients of the "cup of God's wrath" due to their pride, idolatry, and reliance on worldly strength. It underscores the universal scope of divine sovereignty and justice, extending God's judgment beyond Judah to even the most prosperous and seemingly secure coastal and island territories.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:22 is situated within a lengthy prophetic declaration (Jeremiah 25:15-26) where the prophet Jeremiah is commanded by God to make all the nations drink from the "cup of the wine of this fury" (Jeremiah 25:15). This "cup" symbolizes the outpouring of God's wrath and judgment, specifically through the Babylonian conquest. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 25:17-21) list Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, Pharaoh of Egypt, and other specific kings and lands in the immediate vicinity. Jeremiah 25:22 then expands this list geographically, moving to the prominent Phoenician city-states and further to the distant "isles," illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's judgment that leaves no nation untouched. The passage culminates with a declaration that the king of Sheshach (Babylon) will also drink from the cup, emphasizing that even the instrument of God's judgment is not exempt from future accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 25 was delivered in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim of Judah, approximately 605 BC, a critical juncture in ancient Near Eastern history. This period marked the decisive rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, following their victory over Egypt at Carchemish. Tyre and Sidon, located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, were the preeminent city-states of ancient Phoenicia. Renowned for their unparalleled maritime trade, naval power, and the production of highly prized purple dye, they were economic powerhouses with vast commercial networks spanning the Mediterranean. Their wealth often fostered an attitude of self-sufficiency and pride, leading them to rely on their own might rather than on God. Culturally, they were deeply entrenched in pagan worship, particularly of Baal and Asherah, which often involved child sacrifice and other abominable practices. The "isles beyond the sea" would have referred to various islands and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, such as Cyprus, Crete, and possibly parts of the Aegean, all connected by Phoenician trade routes and influence. Their inclusion highlights that even those perceived as geographically remote or protected by naval strength were within the purview of God's universal dominion.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Foremost is the **Universal Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that Yahweh's authority extends over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. He is the Lord of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His divine plan, as seen in His use of Babylon as His instrument (cf. [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - God's Servant Nebuchadnezzar")). Another key theme is **Divine Justice and Accountability**, emphasizing that God's judgment is impartial and meted out to Gentile nations for their idolatry, pride, injustice, and wickedness, just as it is to Judah. The prosperity and pride of Tyre and Sidon serve as a powerful illustration of the **Dangers of Materialism and Self-Reliance**, warning against placing ultimate trust in worldly wealth and human power rather than in the Creator. Finally, the inclusion of these specific nations underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Jeremiah's pronouncements against them were historically realized through Babylonian conquests, affirming the reliability of God's word (cf. [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root H4428, meaning "a king" or "royal." The repetition of "all the kings" for Tyre and Sidon, and then "the kings of the isles," emphasizes that the judgment is directed not just at the populace but specifically at their leadership—those who held power, made decisions, and often led their nations into idolatry and pride. It underscores the accountability of those in authority before God.
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** From H339, properly meaning "a habitable spot (as desirable)," evolving to mean "dry land, a coast, an island." In this context, "isles" refers to islands and coastal regions, particularly those in the Mediterranean Sea that were accessible by sea. This term broadens the geographical scope of the prophecy from the specific mainland cities of Tyre and Sidon to more distant, yet connected, maritime territories, signifying the far-reaching nature of God's judgment.
* **beyond (Hebrew, _ʻêber'_):** From H5676, properly meaning "a region across," used adverbially to mean "on the opposite side." When combined with "the sea" (H3220, _yâm_), "beyond the sea" denotes regions that are geographically separated by water, emphasizing their perceived distance and perhaps their sense of security from land-based threats. However, this phrase highlights that no distance or natural barrier can exempt a nation from God's decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the kings of Tyrus,"**: This clause initiates the expansion of God's judgment beyond Judah and its immediate neighbors to the powerful, wealthy, and influential Phoenician city-state of Tyre. "All the kings" signifies a comprehensive judgment against its leadership and, by extension, the entire entity it represents. Tyre was known for its immense commercial power and often its arrogance, making it a prime target for divine reckoning.
* **"and all the kings of Zidon,"**: Following Tyre, Sidon is named, its sister city and another major Phoenician maritime power. The repetition of "all the kings" reinforces the comprehensive nature of the judgment on Phoenicia's leadership. Sidon, like Tyre, was a hub of trade and idolatry, and its inclusion underscores the breadth of God's righteous anger against the nations that had turned away from Him.
* **"and the kings of the isles which [are] beyond the sea,"**: This final clause broadens the scope even further, encompassing rulers of various islands and coastal lands throughout the Mediterranean. The phrase "beyond the sea" emphasizes their geographical distance and perhaps their perceived immunity due to their maritime nature. However, their inclusion demonstrates that no nation, however remote or seemingly secure, is outside the reach of God's universal sovereignty and impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Jeremiah 25:22 is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, as it lists specific nations and regions destined for judgment. This listing technique, prevalent throughout Jeremiah 25, serves to demonstrate the comprehensive and universal scope of God's wrath. The phrase "kings of Tyrus," "kings of Zidon," and "kings of the isles" also employs **Synecdoche**, where the part ("kings") represents the whole (the nation or city-state). This highlights that the judgment is directed at the leadership and, by extension, the entire populace they govern. Furthermore, the progression from specific, well-known Phoenician cities (Tyre and Sidon) to the more general "isles which are beyond the sea" illustrates **Geographical Expansion**, emphasizing the far-reaching nature of God's dominion and the inevitability of His judgment across diverse and distant territories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:22 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. It debunks any notion that Yahweh is merely a tribal deity or confined to the land of Israel; rather, He is the supreme ruler whose decrees impact the most distant and powerful empires. The judgment upon Tyre, Sidon, and the "isles beyond the sea" underscores that wealth, naval power, and geographical isolation offer no immunity from divine justice. These nations, known for their commercial prowess and often their idolatry and pride, are held accountable for their actions, demonstrating that God's moral law applies universally. This passage serves as a stark reminder that all humanity, regardless of their perceived strength or independence, is ultimately answerable to the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

* [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Ezekiel 28:1-19](/ezekiel/28-19 "Ezekiel 28:1-19 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre")
* [Amos 1:9-10](/amos/1-9 "Amos 1:9-10 - Prophecy Against Tyre")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:22, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for contemporary believers. It compels us to recognize that God remains sovereign over all nations, governments, and global powers today. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, economic instability, and the rise and fall of powerful entities, this verse assures us that God is never disengaged or surprised. His ultimate purposes will prevail, and every nation, every leader, and every individual will eventually stand accountable before Him. This should foster both a deep trust in God's overarching plan and a sober awareness of humanity's universal accountability. We are called to live in humility, recognizing that true security and prosperity are found not in material wealth, military might, or human ingenuity, but in faithful obedience to the one true God. It challenges us to examine where our own trust lies: in the fleeting promises of this world or in the eternal, unchanging character of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment in this verse shape your understanding of His character and power?**
* **In what ways might modern nations or individuals exhibit the same pride and self-reliance that led to the judgment of Tyre and Sidon?**
* **How does knowing that God holds all nations accountable influence your prayers for national leaders and global events?**
* **What idols (e.g., wealth, power, comfort) might you be tempted to trust in, rather than relying fully on God?**

### FAQ

**Why are Tyre and Sidon specifically mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: Tyre and Sidon were the leading city-states of ancient Phoenicia, renowned for their vast maritime trade, immense wealth, and naval power. Their inclusion in Jeremiah's prophecy highlights God's judgment extending to the most prosperous and seemingly impregnable nations of the time. They were also deeply involved in pagan worship, particularly of Baal and Asherah, and their pride in their commercial success often led to arrogance and a reliance on their own strength rather than on God. Their mention underscores that no nation, however powerful or wealthy, is beyond God's reach or His righteous judgment (cf. [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre")).

**What is meant by "the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the rulers of various islands and coastal regions throughout the Mediterranean Sea that were connected by Phoenician trade routes and influence. This would have included territories like Cyprus, Crete, and potentially parts of the Aegean Sea. The inclusion of these "isles beyond the sea" signifies the comprehensive and far-reaching nature of God's judgment, demonstrating that even those perceived as distant, remote, or protected by their geographical location and naval power were subject to His divine decree. It emphasizes the universal scope of God's sovereignty over all peoples and lands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:22 speaks of temporal judgment on ancient nations, its underlying theological principles find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. The universal sovereignty of God, so powerfully demonstrated in His judgment over Tyre, Sidon, and the "isles beyond the sea," is fully revealed in the cosmic Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is the one 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 judgment on nations for their pride and idolatry foreshadows the ultimate accountability of all humanity before the righteous throne of Christ, who will judge "the living and the dead" ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")). Furthermore, the inclusion of distant "isles" in Jeremiah's prophecy subtly points to the expansive nature of God's plan for salvation, which extends beyond Israel to all nations. In Christ, this vision is realized as the gospel is proclaimed to "the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Holy Spirit and Witness")), gathering people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" into His kingdom ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). Thus, the judgment that once swept across the ancient world now finds its spiritual parallel in the call to repentance and faith in Christ, offering salvation to all who turn from the idols of pride and materialism to the true King and Savior.

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 47:4

Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Ezekiel 28:23

For I will send into her pestilence, and blood into her streets; and the wounded shall be judged in the midst of her by the sword upon her on every side; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:23

¶ Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; [there is] sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

Jeremiah 49:27

And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

Zechariah 9:1

¶ The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus [shall be] the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD.

Zechariah 9:4

Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.