Jeremiah 25:25

KJV

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the kings {H4428} of Zimri {H2174}, and all the kings {H4428} of Elam {H5867}, and all the kings {H4428} of the Medes {H4074},

Complete Jewish Bible

all the kings of Zimri, of 'Eilam and of the Medes;

Berean Standard Bible

all the kings of Zimri, Elam, and Media;

American Standard Version

and all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:25 is a specific enumeration within a sweeping prophetic declaration of divine judgment against all nations. This verse names "all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes," highlighting the universal scope of God's sovereign wrath, which is depicted as a "cup of fury" to be drunk by all peoples. It underscores that no nation, however powerful or remote, is exempt from accountability before the Almighty, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's righteous decrees in human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25 serves as a pivotal chapter, consolidating Jeremiah's prophecies against Judah and extending them to the surrounding nations. The chapter begins by recounting Judah's seventy years of impending Babylonian captivity due to their persistent disobedience to God's word through Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 25:1-11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:1-11 - Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity")). Following this, the prophecy dramatically shifts to a broader, global scope. God commands Jeremiah to take a "cup of the wine of this fury" and make all the nations drink from it, symbolizing His wrath and impending desolation upon them ([Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Fury")). Verses 17-26 then provide an extensive, geographically ordered list of kings and kingdoms destined to drink from this cup, emphasizing the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. Jeremiah 25:25 specifically names three distinct groups, contributing to the cumulative effect of demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over the entire known world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah 25 were delivered around the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign (c. 605 BC), a critical juncture in Near Eastern history. The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was rapidly ascending, having recently defeated Egypt at Carchemish. Judah was caught between these two great powers, and Jeremiah's message consistently warned of Babylonian subjugation as God's instrument of judgment. The nations listed in this chapter represent a cross-section of the ancient world known to Judah, from nearby neighbors like Egypt and Philistia to more distant entities. The inclusion of "kings" rather than just "nations" emphasizes that the judgment extends to the leadership and governing structures of these societies. Culturally, this period was characterized by widespread idolatry, political maneuvering, and a general disregard for the one true God among these nations, setting the stage for divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 25:25, within its broader prophetic context, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating that Yahweh is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all nations and kingdoms, orchestrating their rise and fall according to His divine purpose ([Psalm 2:8-9](/psalm/2-8 "Psalm 2:8-9 - God's Rule Over Nations")). Secondly, the passage highlights **Universal Judgment**, demonstrating that sin and rebellion against God's moral order bring consequences, and His justice is applied impartially to all peoples, regardless of their power, geographical location, or perceived invincibility ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")). Finally, the detailed enumeration of specific nations points to the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasizing the specificity and reliability of God's prophetic word, which would be historically vindicated as these empires experienced decline, conquest, or significant upheaval in the subsequent decades and centuries ([Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root meaning "to reign" or "to be king," this term (H4428) denotes a sovereign ruler. In Jeremiah 25:25, its repeated use ("all the kings of...") underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, which extends not only to the populace of these nations but specifically to their leadership, who are held accountable for the actions and spiritual condition of their realms. This highlights God's authority over human governance.
* **Elam (Hebrew, _ʻÊylâm'_):** This term (H5867) refers to an ancient kingdom located east of Babylonia, in what is now southwestern Iran. Its name, possibly meaning "hidden" or "distant," reflects its geographical position relative to Judah. Elam was a significant regional power with a long history of conflict and interaction with Mesopotamian empires. Its inclusion here, alongside other major powers, signifies the far-reaching extent of God's judgment, affecting even distant and formidable nations. Jeremiah would later deliver a more specific prophecy of Elam's breaking and scattering ([Jeremiah 49:34-39](/jeremiah/49-34 "Jeremiah 49:34-39 - Prophecy Against Elam")).
* **Medes (Hebrew, _Mâday'_):** This term (H4074) refers to the Indo-European people who inhabited Media, a region in present-day northwestern Iran. The Medes were a rising power in Jeremiah's time, known for their martial prowess. They would later form the formidable Medo-Persian Empire, which famously conquered Babylon ([Daniel 5:28](/daniel/5-28 "Daniel 5:28 - The Medes and Persians Conquer Babylon")). Their inclusion in this list is particularly significant, as it foreshadows their future role as instruments of divine judgment against other nations, even as they themselves would eventually face God's reckoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the kings of Zimri,"**: This clause begins the specific enumeration of nations and their rulers. "Zimri" (H2174, _Zimrîy_) is a less clearly identified entity compared to Elam or the Medes. Scholars propose it could refer to a specific Arabian tribe or a localized kingdom, possibly related to Zimran, a son of Abraham by Keturah ([Genesis 25:2](/genesis/25-2 "Genesis 25:2 - Zimran, Son of Abraham")). Its inclusion, regardless of precise identification, serves to emphasize the truly comprehensive nature of God's judgment, reaching even obscure or less prominent peoples and their leaders, ensuring no one is overlooked in the divine reckoning.
* **"and all the kings of Elam,"**: This phrase introduces a historically significant kingdom to the east. The repetition of "all the kings of" reinforces the universality and totality of the impending judgment. Elam, a powerful and often independent kingdom, represented a formidable force in the ancient Near East. Their inclusion signifies that even established and formidable powers, far from Judah's immediate vicinity, are subject to God's sovereign decree and will drink from the cup of His wrath.
* **"and all the kings of the Medes,"**: This final clause in the verse lists the Medes, a rising power that would play a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient world. The consistent repetition of "all the kings of" throughout the verse creates a rhythmic emphasis on the absolute scope of God's judgment. The Medes, known for their military strength, would eventually contribute to the downfall of major empires, including Babylon. Their inclusion here is prophetic, highlighting that even future world powers are under God's ultimate control and will, in their turn, face His judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Foremost is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "And all the kings of" at the beginning of successive clauses. This creates a powerful rhetorical rhythm, emphasizing the exhaustive and comprehensive nature of the judgment that is to befall every nation and its leadership. This repetitive structure also contributes to a sense of **Accumulation** or **Enumeration**, as the list grows, reinforcing the idea that no one is exempt. Furthermore, the naming of specific, geographically diverse nations like Elam and the Medes serves as a form of **Prophetic Specificity**, lending credibility and weight to Jeremiah's message by foretelling the judgment of identifiable entities, some of whom were rising powers at the time, whose future decline would confirm the prophet's words. The broader context of the "cup of fury" also imbues the verse with **Symbolism**, where the act of "drinking" from this cup represents experiencing the full measure of God's wrath and desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:25 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His commitment to universal justice. This verse, part of a larger list of condemned nations, dispels any notion that God's concern or judgment is limited to His covenant people, Israel. Instead, it reveals Him as the Lord of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires, holding every nation and its leaders accountable for their actions, idolatry, and injustice. The inclusion of distant and powerful kingdoms like Elam and the Medes demonstrates that no human authority or geographical isolation can escape the reach of His divine decree. This truth provides both a sobering warning against national pride and a comforting assurance that ultimately, all earthly powers are subservient to God's ultimate plan, which will culminate in the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 2:8-9](/psalm/2-8 "God's Dominion Over Nations")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Christ's Judgment on Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:25, embedded within a sweeping prophecy of judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary believers and nations alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's authority transcends all human boundaries and political systems. In a world often characterized by nationalistic fervor, geopolitical tensions, and the pursuit of power, this verse calls us to recognize that no earthly government or leader operates outside of God's ultimate control. This truth should foster humility in nations, encouraging them to pursue righteousness and justice, and to acknowledge their accountability to a higher power. For individuals, it provides immense comfort and stability, reminding us that even amidst global upheaval and uncertainty, our trust should ultimately rest not in human institutions or fleeting powers, but in the unchanging, sovereign God who holds the entire world in His hands. This perspective liberates us from undue anxiety about worldly affairs and directs our hope towards His eternal kingdom and perfect justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might our own nation or its leaders be prone to the kind of pride or disregard for God that led to the judgment of these ancient kingdoms?**
* **How can the truth of God's sovereignty over all nations provide comfort and peace in times of political or global instability?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live as someone who trusts in God's ultimate authority, rather than solely in human systems?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of listing these specific nations, especially Zimri, which is less known?**

Answer: The significance of listing specific nations like Zimri, Elam, and the Medes lies in demonstrating the comprehensive and universal reach of God's judgment. While Elam and the Medes were prominent or rising powers, Zimri's less certain identification (perhaps an Arabian tribe or smaller kingdom) ensures that the prophecy covers the entire spectrum of the known world, from the mighty to the obscure. It underscores that no nation, regardless of its size, power, or geographical remoteness, is beyond the scope of God's sovereign decree and accountability. This meticulous enumeration lends credibility to Jeremiah's prophecy, showing that God's plan encompasses all of humanity, not just Israel or its immediate neighbors.

**Why is God judging all nations, not just Judah, in this chapter?**

Answer: God judges all nations in Jeremiah 25 (and throughout Scripture) because He is the Creator and sovereign Lord of the entire earth, not just one people group. While Judah faced particular judgment due to their covenant disobedience, other nations were judged for their idolatry, injustice, violence, and general rebellion against the moral order established by God. The "cup of the wine of this fury" ([Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury")) symbolizes God's righteous wrath against sin wherever it is found. This universal judgment highlights God's impartiality and His ultimate authority over all human affairs, demonstrating that He holds all peoples accountable to His standards of righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:25, with its declaration of God's universal judgment upon the kings and kingdoms of the earth, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While these Old Testament prophecies speak of temporal judgments executed through earthly empires, they foreshadow the eschatological reality of Christ's absolute dominion and final judgment. The "kings of Zimri, Elam, and the Medes" represent all earthly powers that ultimately stand condemned before God's throne. However, in Christ, we see the true King of kings and Lord of lords, 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")). He is the one who will ultimately "rule them with a rod of iron" ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment on Nations")), bringing every earthly kingdom to its knees and establishing His eternal kingdom, which will have no end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). The judgment poured out on these ancient nations serves as a powerful type and shadow of the final judgment that Christ will execute upon all who reject His reign, while simultaneously offering salvation and refuge to those who bow the knee to Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the universal scope of judgment in Jeremiah points forward to the universal reign and redemptive work of 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

Genesis 10:22

The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

Isaiah 11:11

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

Jeremiah 51:28

Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.

Isaiah 13:17

Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.

Jeremiah 49:34

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

Jeremiah 49:39

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 51:11

Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device [is] against Babylon, to destroy it; because it [is] the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.