Jeremiah 25:24

KJV

And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the kings {H4428} of Arabia {H6152}, and all the kings {H4428} of the mingled people {H6153} that dwell {H7931} in the desert {H4057},

Complete Jewish Bible

all the kings of Arabia and of the mixed peoples living in the desert;

Berean Standard Bible

all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert;

American Standard Version

and all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the wilderness;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:24 is a specific mention within a comprehensive divine judgment pronounced against numerous nations surrounding Judah. This verse highlights the expansive reach of God's prophetic decree, encompassing even the kings of Arabia and the diverse, nomadic peoples dwelling in the desert, thereby emphasizing the universal scope of divine accountability and the impending devastation orchestrated by God through the Babylonian Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 serves as a pivotal chapter, marking a turning point from prophecies primarily directed at Judah to a broader declaration of judgment against the surrounding nations. The chapter begins with Jeremiah recounting twenty-three years of unheeded prophetic warnings to Judah, culminating in the declaration of a seventy-year Babylonian exile as divine punishment for their persistent idolatry and disobedience, as detailed in [Jeremiah 25:1-11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:1-11 - The Seventy-Year Babylonian Captivity Foretold"). Following this, the Lord instructs Jeremiah to present a "cup of the wine of this fury" to all nations, symbolizing a comprehensive judgment that will sweep across the known world, as seen in [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-16 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Wrath"). Verses 17-26 then enumerate a long list of kingdoms and peoples who are destined to drink from this cup, with Jeremiah 25:24 specifically naming groups from the Arabian peninsula and other desert inhabitants, underscoring the universal and inescapable nature of God's decree. This section builds to the climactic declaration that even the king of Sheshach (Babylon) will eventually drink from the cup, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:26](/jeremiah/25-26 "Jeremiah 25:26 - Judgment on Babylon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE were a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly ascending, having decisively defeated Assyria and Egypt. Judah found itself caught between these great powers. The "kings of Arabia" refers to the various tribal leaders and chieftains of the numerous Arab groups inhabiting the vast Arabian peninsula, including regions like Dedan, Tema, and Kedar. Historically, these groups were often nomadic or semi-nomadic, renowned for their control of lucrative trade routes, especially those involving frankincense and myrrh. They maintained a degree of independence from the larger empires but were not immune to their influence or military incursions. The "mingled people that dwell in the desert" likely refers to various nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes—perhaps a mixture of Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, or other lesser-known groups—who lived on the fringes of established kingdoms, distinct from settled agricultural societies. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of Babylonian expansion and God's judgment, reaching even those seemingly remote or less politically centralized communities.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:24, within its broader prophetic context, powerfully contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that God's authority extends far beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and kingdoms. He orchestrates global events and holds every nation accountable for its actions, using instruments like Babylon to fulfill His purposes, as declared in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Universal Accountability**, emphasizing that no nation, regardless of its perceived power, isolation, or nomadic lifestyle, is exempt from God's ultimate justice. Even the distant "kings of Arabia" and the diverse "mingled people" are subject to His judgment. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Breadth and Inescapability of Prophetic Judgment**, as the detailed enumeration of nations emphasizes the extensive reach of the coming Babylonian invasion, which God would use as His instrument of wrath against a multitude of peoples, leaving no one untouched by the consequences of their rebellion against divine order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root meaning "to rule" or "to reign," this term refers to a sovereign ruler, a monarch, or a chieftain. Its repetition in the verse ("kings of Arabia," "kings of the mingled people") underscores the leadership and authority of these groups, indicating that entire political or tribal entities, represented by their leaders, would be subject to the judgment.
* **Arabia (Hebrew, _ʻĂrâb'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "sterility" or "desolation," this term denotes the Arabian land or its inhabitants. It refers specifically to the vast desert regions to the east and south of Palestine, inhabited by various nomadic and semi-nomadic Arab tribes. Its inclusion signifies the far-reaching nature of God's judgment, extending to peoples often considered geographically remote or culturally distinct from the settled nations of the Fertile Crescent.
* **mingled people (Hebrew, _ʻereb'_):** This word literally means "mixed multitude" or "mixed company," often referring to a diverse collection of people, possibly of mixed ethnic descent or various nomadic tribes. In this context, it likely denotes a heterogeneous group of desert dwellers, perhaps including various Edomite, Moabite, Ammonite, or other lesser-known nomadic groups who lived on the fringes of established societies. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive and indiscriminate nature of the impending judgment, affecting even those without a clearly defined national identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the kings of Arabia,"**: This clause identifies the first specific group targeted by the divine judgment: the rulers of the various Arab tribes. "Arabia" here refers to the vast desert regions to the east and south of Judah, home to numerous independent or semi-independent tribal confederations. The phrase "all the kings" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment, indicating that no tribal leader or their people within this extensive region would be exempt from the coming devastation. Their inclusion demonstrates the far-reaching scope of God's sovereign decree, extending beyond the immediate political powers of the Fertile Crescent.
* **"and all the kings of the mingled people"**: This second clause specifies another distinct group of rulers, those presiding over a "mingled people" or "mixed multitude." This term typically refers to diverse, often nomadic groups, possibly of mixed ethnic origin, who did not possess a singular national identity but coexisted or migrated together. Their "kings" would be their tribal chieftains or leaders. The repetition of "all the kings" reinforces the universality of the judgment, ensuring that even these less defined or more transient communities, represented by their leadership, would face the consequences of God's wrath.
* **"that dwell in the desert,"**: This final clause provides a crucial geographical and lifestyle descriptor for the "mingled people." Their dwelling "in the desert" signifies their nomadic or semi-nomadic existence, distinguishing them from the settled agricultural societies. This detail further underscores the breadth of the prophecy: God's judgment, executed through Babylon, would penetrate even the remote, arid, and sparsely populated regions, affecting those who lived beyond the conventional borders of established kingdoms. It emphasizes that no one, no matter how isolated or mobile, could escape the divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:24 employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominent, as the verse is part of a longer list of nations destined for judgment, highlighting the comprehensive and systematic nature of God's wrath. The specific naming of "kings of Arabia" and "kings of the mingled people" provides **Geographical Specificity**, grounding the prophecy in the known world of Jeremiah's audience and demonstrating the tangible reach of the impending events. The repeated phrase "all the kings" serves as **Anaphora** and **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the universal and inescapable nature of the judgment, suggesting that every leader, no matter how obscure or distant, would be held accountable. This creates a sense of overwhelming inevitability, reinforcing the theme of divine sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:24 powerfully illustrates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, not merely Israel. It reveals that the Lord's dominion extends to every corner of the earth, holding all peoples accountable for their actions and orchestrating global events according to His divine purpose. The inclusion of seemingly peripheral or nomadic groups like the kings of Arabia and the mingled people underscores the impartial and comprehensive nature of divine justice. No people group, no matter how remote or independent, stands outside the purview of God's righteous judgment. This serves as a profound reminder that all earthly powers are ultimately subservient to the King of kings, who uses even pagan empires like Babylon as instruments of His wrath and justice.

* [Psalm 22:28](/psalm/22-28 "Psalm 22:28 - God's Dominion Over Nations")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men")
* [Romans 1:18-20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:18-20 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:24, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, offers timeless truths for contemporary believers. It compels us to recognize the boundless scope of God's sovereignty, reminding us that His authority transcends all human boundaries, political systems, and cultural distinctions. In a world often characterized by nationalistic pride, geopolitical tensions, and the illusion of human control, this verse reorients our perspective, placing God firmly on the throne as the ultimate arbiter of history and the destiny of nations. It challenges us to move beyond a narrow, anthropocentric view of the world and embrace a God-centered understanding, where every people group, from the most powerful to the most marginalized, is accountable to Him. This understanding should inspire both humility and confidence: humility in recognizing our place beneath His sovereign hand, and confidence in knowing that His justice will ultimately prevail, ensuring that all wrongs will be made right and His perfect will accomplished. It calls us to pray for nations, to live righteously within our own societies, and to proclaim the good news of a God who is just and merciful to all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment in Jeremiah 25:24 shape your understanding of His character and power?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, sometimes assume we are "exempt" from God's scrutiny, similar to how distant nations might have felt?**
* **What practical implications does God's sovereignty over all nations have for our engagement with global events, politics, and missions today?**

### FAQ

**What does "kings of Arabia" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 25:24, "kings of Arabia" refers to the various tribal leaders and chieftains of the numerous Arab groups inhabiting the vast Arabian peninsula during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. These were often nomadic or semi-nomadic peoples, known for their control of trade routes and distinct from the settled kingdoms of the Fertile Crescent. Their inclusion in the prophecy signifies the far-reaching nature of God's judgment, extending even to these geographically remote and independent communities, demonstrating that no one was beyond the scope of His divine decree.

**Who were the "mingled people that dwell in the desert"?**

Answer: The "mingled people" (Hebrew: *‘ereb*) refers to a diverse or mixed multitude of people, likely various nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes who lived in the desert regions bordering established kingdoms. This could have included a blend of different ethnic groups or lesser-known tribal confederations, such as certain Edomites, Moabites, or other groups who did not have a singular, well-defined national identity but shared a common lifestyle and geographical dwelling in the wilderness. Their dwelling "in the desert" further emphasizes their nomadic existence, distinct from the settled agricultural societies. Their inclusion in the list of nations to be judged underscores the comprehensive nature of God's impending wrath, which would reach even the most diverse and mobile populations, ensuring that all are subject to divine accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:24 speaks of a judgment executed through an earthly empire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the universal reign and final judgment of Jesus Christ. The "kings of Arabia" and "mingled people" represent all nations and peoples, from every tribe and tongue, who are ultimately accountable to God. The Old Testament prophecies of judgment, though specific to their historical context, foreshadow the ultimate cosmic judgment when Christ returns as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). Just as no nation was exempt from God's judgment through Babylon, so too will every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, as foretold in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Furthermore, the inclusion of these diverse peoples points forward to the expansive nature of God's saving grace, which is not limited to one nation but extends to all who believe. The Great Commission calls believers to make disciples of [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), echoing the universal scope seen in Jeremiah's prophecy, but now with a message of redemption rather than just judgment. Ultimately, the vision of the new heavens and new earth includes a redeemed multitude from [every nation, tribe, people, and language](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"), demonstrating that Christ's dominion encompasses all those once subject to judgment, now brought into His eternal kingdom through the Lamb's atoning sacrifice.

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

2 Chronicles 9:14

Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

Jeremiah 25:20

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,

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.

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 49:28

¶ Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.

Jeremiah 49:33

And Hazor shall be a dwelling for dragons, [and] a desolation for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor [any] son of man dwell in it.

Ezekiel 27:21

Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these [were they] thy merchants.