Jeremiah 25:26

KJV

And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the kings {H4428} of the north {H6828}, far {H7350} and near {H7138}, one {H376} with another {H251}, and all the kingdoms {H4467} of the world {H776}, which are upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}: and the king {H4428} of Sheshach {H8347} shall drink {H8354} after {H310} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

and all the kings of the north, far and near, one after another - indeed, all the kingdoms of the world that there are on the surface of the earth. And the king of Sheshakh will drink last of all.

Berean Standard Bible

all the kings of the north, both near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach will drink it too.

American Standard Version

and all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another; and all the kingdoms of the world, which are upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:26 serves as the climactic conclusion to a sweeping prophecy of divine judgment, extending God's wrath from Judah and its immediate neighbors to "all the kings of the north, far and near," encompassing "all the kingdoms of the world." This verse powerfully emphasizes the universal and inescapable scope of God's impending judgment, culminating in the declaration that even Babylon, cryptically referred to as "Sheshach," which served as God's primary instrument of chastisement against other nations, will ultimately face its own devastating reckoning, compelled to drink from the same bitter cup of divine fury.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:26 marks the dramatic culmination of a lengthy and pivotal oracle delivered by the prophet Jeremiah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign (605 BC), a critical juncture just prior to Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem. The broader chapter commences with a retrospective on Judah's seventy years of impending Babylonian captivity, establishing the context for God's disciplinary action against His covenant people. Following this, the prophecy transitions into a comprehensive declaration of judgment against numerous surrounding nations. Verses 15-25 vividly depict Jeremiah being commanded to administer a "cup of the wine of this fury" to all nations, a potent symbol of the outpouring of God's wrath. The list of recipients progresses geographically, beginning with Jerusalem itself ([Jeremiah 25:18](/jeremiah/25-18 "Jeremiah 25:18 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup")), moving through Judah's immediate neighbors ([Jeremiah 25:19-21](/jeremiah/25-19-21 "Jeremiah 25:19-21 - Neighboring Nations Drink")), extending to more distant lands ([Jeremiah 25:22-24](/jeremiah/25-22-24 "Jeremiah 25:22-24 - Distant Lands Drink")), and finally broadening to encompass all northern kings and ultimately "all the kingdoms of the world." Verse 26 thus functions as the climactic and final recipient of this judgment, explicitly naming "Sheshach" (Babylon), thereby underscoring that even the empire God used as His instrument of chastisement will not escape His ultimate and impartial justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BC constituted a period of profound geopolitical transformation across the ancient Near East. The once-dominant Assyrian Empire was in rapid decline, its power waning as the formidable Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar, ascended to regional supremacy. Judah found itself precariously positioned amidst these shifting power dynamics, frequently attempting to forge alliances with Egypt against Babylon, a political strategy consistently and vehemently condemned by Jeremiah as a betrayal of trust in Yahweh. The "kings of the north" likely refers to various Aramean, Hurrian, and other northern peoples who were either already subject to Babylonian expansion or would inevitably be swept into the broader conflicts of the era. The concept of a "cup of wrath" was a deeply entrenched metaphor in both biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, widely understood to represent the experience of divine judgment, often entailing suffering, desolation, and destruction. The deliberate inclusion of "Sheshach" as a veiled reference to Babylon, as further explored in the Exposition, reflects a cautious yet resolute prophetic naming, possibly intended to convey the message of Babylon's certain doom while mitigating immediate political repercussions in a time of Babylonian dominance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent within the book of Jeremiah and the broader corpus of prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, which emphatically declares that Yahweh is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme and ultimate ruler over all nations and their respective destinies. No earthly power, regardless of its perceived might or influence, operates outside His ultimate control, a truth echoed in passages such as [Daniel 2:21, which speaks of God removing and setting up kings](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Intertwined with this is the theme of **Universal Judgment**, demonstrating that God's justice is not confined solely to His covenant people but extends comprehensively to "all the kingdoms of the world," highlighting the foundational principle that all humanity is ultimately accountable to the Creator for their actions, wickedness, and rebellion. Finally, the specific and climactic mention of "Sheshach" introduces the profound theme of **Retributive Justice**, wherein even the very instruments God employs for His purposes (such as Babylon in punishing Judah) will themselves be held to account and judged for their own pride, cruelty, and idolatry. This particular aspect powerfully foreshadows the extensive and detailed prophecies against Babylon found later in [Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecies Against Babylon"), emphasizing God's impartial and unwavering commitment to justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **king (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From the root _malak_, meaning "to rule" or "to be king." This term signifies a monarch, a sovereign ruler, or one who holds royal authority. In this verse, its repetition ("kings of the north," "king of Sheshach") powerfully underscores the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, which directly targets the very heads of state and their respective dominions, highlighting God's direct confrontation with all earthly power structures.
* **earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From an unused root probably meaning "to be firm," this term refers to the earth at large, a specific land, or a country. It can encompass the entire globe or a particular territory. In the phrase "kingdoms of the world, which are upon the face of the earth," it emphasizes the global, all-encompassing reach of God's judgment, signifying that no corner of the inhabited world will be exempt from His divine decree and ultimate reckoning.
* **Sheshach (Hebrew, _Shêshak'_):** Of foreign derivation, this is a symbolic or cryptic name for Babylon. It is derived through the Atbash cipher, an ancient Hebrew method of word substitution where the first letter of the alphabet is replaced by the last, the second by the second to last, and so on. Applying this cipher transforms the Hebrew letters for "Babylon" (בָּבֶל, _Bavel_) into "Sheshach" (שֵׁשַׁךְ, _Sheshak_). Its deliberate use here signals the absolute certainty of Babylon's eventual fall, even as it maintains a layer of prophetic intrigue or perhaps served as a veiled warning in a politically sensitive context.
* **drink (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to imbibe," used literally or figuratively. In the context of "drinking after them" from the "cup of fury" (as introduced in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath")), this verb powerfully conveys the act of experiencing or enduring the full measure of God's wrath and judgment. It implies a forced consumption of bitter consequences, symbolizing the unavoidable and devastating punishment awaiting Babylon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another,"**: This opening clause significantly expands the scope of divine judgment beyond the specific nations previously listed, encompassing a broad and undefined geographical region to the north of Judah. The inclusion of "far and near" emphatically underscores the comprehensive nature of this judgment, indicating that no northern kingdom, regardless of its proximity or distance from Judah, will escape God's decree. The phrase "one with another" suggests a collective experience of this divine wrath, implying a shared fate or a chain reaction of destruction that will sweep across these northern territories.
* **"and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth:"**: This subsequent clause further universalizes the prophecy, moving beyond specific regional designations to encompass "all the kingdoms of the world." The phrase "upon the face of the earth" (utilizing _pânîym_ for "face" and _ʼerets_ for "earth") powerfully reinforces the idea that every inhabited land and every sovereign power within it is unequivocally subject to God's ultimate authority and judgment. It underscores the global, inescapable reach of divine justice, demonstrating that no nation or empire is beyond His purview.
* **"and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them."**: This climactic and emphatic declaration identifies the final, and arguably most significant, recipient of God's judgment: the king of Sheshach, a symbolic and cryptic reference to Babylon. The phrase "shall drink after them" signifies that Babylon, despite being used by God as a formidable instrument to punish other nations, will itself eventually partake of the very same cup of divine fury. Its judgment is explicitly stated to follow that of the others, implying a delayed but absolutely certain and severe retribution for its own wickedness, pride, and oppressive actions.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:26 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of universal and inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, particularly evident in the overarching metaphor of the "cup of the wine of this fury" (introduced in [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Wrath")) which all nations, including Sheshach, are compelled to "drink." This cup vividly symbolizes the full measure of God's wrath and the devastating consequences of His righteous judgment. The act of "drinking" itself functions as a powerful **Metonymy** for experiencing or enduring this severe punishment. Furthermore, the strategic use of "Sheshach" as a cryptic name for Babylon is a sophisticated form of **Atbash cipher**, a linguistic device that adds a layer of prophetic intrigue and perhaps served as a veiled challenge or protective measure for the prophet in a politically sensitive context. By referring to Babylon indirectly, Jeremiah signifies its certain downfall while potentially safeguarding the prophet and his message from immediate reprisal from the dominant empire. The expansive and sweeping language, "all the kings of the north, far and near," and "all the kingdoms of the world," utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute, comprehensive, and universal scope of God's judgment, leaving no nation or earthly power outside the reach of His divine and impartial justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:26 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It profoundly reveals that the Lord of Hosts is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler of the entire cosmos, holding every nation accountable for its actions and moral choices. This universal scope of judgment fundamentally dismantles any notion of national exceptionalism or immunity from divine reckoning. The inclusion of Babylon ("Sheshach") as the final, climactic recipient of this judgment is particularly significant, demonstrating unequivocally that even those empires God uses as instruments of His will are not exempt from His moral standards. Their pride, cruelty, and idolatry will ultimately be judged, reinforcing the profound biblical principle that divine justice is both comprehensive and retributive, ensuring that all wickedness will eventually face its due recompense.
* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Shall Be Turned Into Hell")
* [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:26 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a sober and humbling reminder that all earthly powers, no matter how formidable, self-assured, or seemingly invincible, are ultimately subordinate to the sovereign will and ultimate authority of God. This foundational truth should instill humility in nations and their leaders, prompting them to govern with justice, righteousness, and a deep sense of accountability to the Creator. For individuals, this verse powerfully reinforces the principle that God's justice is comprehensive and inescapable, extending to all humanity. It calls us to a diligent examination of our own lives, urging us to ensure that our actions and values are aligned with God's righteous standards, rather than relying on perceived worldly strength, security, or self-sufficiency. Furthermore, for those who currently suffer under oppressive regimes or experience profound injustice, this verse offers immense comfort and hope, assuring them that God sees their plight and will ultimately bring perfect justice to those who perpetrate evil. It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to right all wrongs, even when the path to justice seems long, arduous, and obscured by present circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of God's judgment in this verse challenge our assumptions about national power or individual immunity from divine accountability?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to act with pride or injustice, believing we are exempt from divine scrutiny or future reckoning?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the ultimate judgment of "Sheshach" (Babylon) offer to those experiencing oppression or injustice today, and how should it shape our prayers and actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Sheshach" in Jeremiah 25:26?**

Answer: "Sheshach" is a cryptic or symbolic name specifically used for Babylon in Jeremiah 25:26 and [Jeremiah 51:41](/jeremiah/51-41 "Jeremiah 51:41 - Sheshach Taken"). It is derived through an ancient Hebrew cipher known as Atbash, a method of word substitution where the first letter of the alphabet is replaced by the last, the second by the second to last, and so on. Applying this cipher to the Hebrew name for Babylon (בָּבֶל, _Bavel_) yields שֵׁשַׁךְ (_Sheshach_). Its use here is highly significant: it signifies the absolute certainty of Babylon's eventual downfall and judgment, even as it may have served to initially obscure the direct prophetic target in a politically sensitive time when directly naming the dominant empire could be perilous. By naming Babylon in this veiled manner, Jeremiah underscores that even the mighty empire that God used as an instrument to punish Judah would not escape its own deserved retribution, as further detailed in the extensive prophecies against Babylon found in [Jeremiah chapters 50 and 51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecies Against Babylon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:26, with its sweeping declaration of universal judgment culminating in the destined fall of Babylon, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. The terrifying "cup of the wine of this fury" that all nations are prophesied to drink foreshadows the very cup of divine wrath that Jesus Himself willingly and completely drank on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt," as recorded in [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"). By taking upon Himself the full measure of God's righteous judgment for the sins of humanity, Christ became the ultimate substitute, absorbing the wrath that otherwise would have justly fallen upon all who believe. His decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness on the cross also prefigures the final judgment of all earthly kingdoms and the ultimate triumph over "Babylon the Great," the symbolic representation of all systems of rebellion, idolatry, and oppression against God, as vividly depicted in [Revelation 18:2-8](/revelation/18-2-8 "Revelation 18:2-8 - The Fall of Babylon the Great"). Thus, while Jeremiah prophesies a historical judgment, it powerfully points forward to Christ's atoning sacrifice, which offers redemption from the cup of wrath, and His future glorious reign, which will establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness that will never be overthrown, as promised in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man").

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 51:41

How is Sheshach taken! and how is the praise of the whole earth surprised! how is Babylon become an astonishment among the nations!

Jeremiah 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Revelation 18:1

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Revelation 18:24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Jeremiah 25:12

And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Daniel 5:1

¶ Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

Daniel 5:31

And Darius the Median took the kingdom, [being] about threescore and two years old.