Jeremiah 25:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will send {H7971} and take {H3947} all the families {H4940} of the north {H6828}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, my servant {H5650}, and will bring {H935} them against this land {H776}, and against the inhabitants {H3427} thereof, and against all these nations {H1471} round about {H5439}, and will utterly destroy {H2763} them, and make {H7760} them an astonishment {H8047}, and an hissing {H8322}, and perpetual {H5769} desolations {H2723}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I'm going to send for all the families of the north,' says ADONAI, 'and for my servant N'vukhadretzar the king of Bavel, and bring them against this land, against its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them, making them an object of horror and ridicule, a perpetual ruin.

Berean Standard Bible

behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation.

American Standard Version

behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith Jehovah, and I will send unto 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 I will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:9 stands as a stark declaration of divine judgment, revealing the Lord's sovereign intent to employ Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as His chosen instrument to punish Judah and surrounding nations for their persistent idolatry and rebellion. This prophetic word foretells a comprehensive and devastating invasion that will reduce the land and its inhabitants to utter ruin, making them objects of shock, scorn, and enduring desolation, serving as a powerful testament to God's justice and control over human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:9 is situated within a pivotal prophetic discourse delivered by Jeremiah, primarily in the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign (c. 605 BC). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 25:1-8) recount Jeremiah's consistent, twenty-three-year ministry of warning Judah to repent and turn from their evil ways, which they stubbornly ignored. Verse 9 then introduces the specific, terrifying consequence of this disobedience: the rise of Babylon as God's disciplinary agent. This verse immediately precedes the famous prophecy of the seventy-year Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12), establishing the cause and the duration of the impending judgment. The broader book of Jeremiah consistently oscillates between calls for repentance, pronouncements of judgment, and glimpses of future restoration, with this chapter marking a significant turning point towards the inevitability of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 7th and early 6th centuries BC were a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the Ancient Near East. The Assyrian Empire, which had long dominated the region, was in decline, giving way to the rising power of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. Judah, caught between these shifting powers and Egypt, often vacillated in its allegiances, seeking political solutions rather than trusting in the Lord. Culturally, Judah had deeply assimilated pagan practices, including Baal worship, child sacrifice, and astral idolatry, directly violating the Mosaic covenant. The "families of the north" likely refers to various nomadic or tribal groups from the northern regions, often employed by major empires as auxiliary forces, but here specifically under the command of Nebuchadnezzar, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the coming invasion. The concept of a conquering king being an instrument of a higher deity was not uncommon in the ancient world, but here, it is Yahweh, the God of Israel, who explicitly claims control over Nebuchadnezzar.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as He orchestrates historical events to fulfill His purposes. Nebuchadnezzar is explicitly called "my servant," not in a redemptive sense, but as an unwitting agent of divine judgment, a theme also seen in [Isaiah 45](/isaiah/45 "Isaiah 45 - God's Anointed Cyrus"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating that persistent rebellion against God's covenant and His prophetic warnings inevitably leads to severe judgment. Judah's idolatry and moral corruption directly provoke this divine intervention, fulfilling warnings found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment** is central, as this prophecy was meticulously fulfilled through the Babylonian invasions and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem"). Finally, the vivid language of "astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations" conveys the theme of **Utter Devastation and Humiliation**, a public and lasting consequence for a nation that had forsaken its God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** From the root meaning 'to serve,' this term denotes one who carries out a task or serves a purpose. Here, it is applied to Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting his role as an instrument of God's will. It does not imply personal righteousness or a covenant relationship with Yahweh, but rather his unwitting obedience to divine decree, fulfilling God's specific purpose for judgment.
* **Utterly Destroy (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This primitive root implies 'to seclude' or 'devote to religious uses,' often with the specific meaning of devoting to destruction, as in a "ban" or "holy war" (herem). When applied to nations or cities, it signifies complete annihilation or consecration for destruction, underscoring the divine decree behind the judgment and its absolute, irreversible nature.
* **Desolations (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning 'drought' or 'dryness,' this term signifies ruin, waste, or a desolate place. Its use in the plural and with the adjective "perpetual" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm'_) emphasizes the extensive, long-lasting, and utter devastation that would befall the land, leaving it uninhabited and unproductive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and sovereign power behind the impending judgment. The phrase "saith the LORD" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_ H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) acts as a divine oracle, emphasizing that this is a direct pronouncement from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. He is actively "sending" and "taking" (H7971, _shâlach_ and H3947, _lâqach_) these northern forces, indicating His meticulous orchestration of events. "Families of the north" (H4940, _mishpâchâh_ H6828, _tsâphôwn_) points to the comprehensive nature of the invading forces, not just a single army, but a vast coalition under Babylon's command.
* **"and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant":** This identifies the specific, human instrument through whom God will execute His judgment. Nebuchadnezzar (H5019, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar_), the powerful king (H4428, _melek_) of Babylon (H894, _Bâbel_), is astonishingly designated "my servant" (H5650, _ʻebed_). This title underscores God's absolute authority over even pagan rulers, using them as agents for His divine purposes, regardless of their own intentions or knowledge of Him.
* **"and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about":** This clause defines the scope and targets of the judgment. "This land" (H776, _ʼerets_) refers primarily to Judah, while "the inhabitants thereof" (H3427, _yâshab_) specifies the people. The inclusion of "all these nations round about" (H1471, _gôwy_ H5439, _çâbîyb_) indicates that Judah's judgment is part of a wider regional reckoning, a common theme in Jeremiah where God holds all nations accountable for their actions.
* **"and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations":** This final, powerful clause describes the severity and lasting impact of the judgment. "Utterly destroy them" (H2763, _châram_) signifies a complete and decisive annihilation, a devotion to destruction. The outcomes are vivid: "astonishment" (H8047, _shammâh_) implies shock, horror, and desolation; "hissing" (H8322, _shᵉrêqâh_) suggests scorn, mockery, and derision from onlookers; and "perpetual desolations" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_ H2723, _chorbâh_) emphasizes the long-lasting, perhaps even eternal, ruin and emptiness that would befall the land, a stark consequence of their unfaithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Personification** is evident in God's depiction of Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant," attributing agency to a human king in fulfilling divine will, even though he is unaware of his true master. This highlights God's ultimate control over human history. The use of **Hyperbole** or strong **Figurative Language** is present in the descriptors of the judgment: "utterly destroy," "astonishment," "hissing," and "perpetual desolations." While the destruction was indeed severe, these terms are chosen to evoke maximum emotional impact and underscore the comprehensive nature of the divine wrath. The phrase "families of the north" serves as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing the entire invading force led by Babylon, rather than just literal family units. Finally, the repetitive structure of the consequences ("against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about") creates a sense of **Accumulation** and **Emphasis**, highlighting the widespread and inescapable nature of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:9 serves as a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that the Lord is not a distant deity but one who raises up and casts down empires, using even pagan rulers as instruments for His righteous purposes. This demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all creation and all nations, holding them accountable for their moral and spiritual choices. The severity of the judgment underscores the gravity of Judah's persistent rebellion and idolatry, illustrating that divine patience has limits and that unrepentant sin inevitably leads to devastating consequences. Yet, even in judgment, God's ultimate redemptive plan is at work, as the exile was intended to purify His people and lead them back to Him.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")
* [Habakkuk 1:5-6](/habakkuk/1-5 "Habakkuk 1:5-6 - God Raises Up the Babylonians")
* [Romans 9:17-22](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17-22 - God's Sovereignty Over Pharaoh and Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:9 offers timeless lessons for believers and nations today. It powerfully reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and events, even amidst chaos and perceived injustice. When we witness global conflicts, political upheavals, or societal decay, this verse calls us to remember that God is not absent but is actively working His purposes, sometimes through unexpected or even seemingly hostile agents. It challenges us to examine our own lives and our nations for any form of idolatry or disobedience, understanding that persistent rebellion against divine truth invites consequences. Ultimately, it encourages a posture of humility, repentance, and unwavering trust in God's ultimate plan, even when His methods are severe or His timing is beyond our comprehension, knowing that His justice is always perfect and His long-term purposes are redemptive.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God using a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar as "my servant" challenge or affirm your understanding of divine sovereignty in today's world?**
* **In what ways might our own lives or societies exhibit "idolatry" or "disobedience" that could invite divine correction?**
* **How can we maintain trust in God's ultimate control and good purposes when facing difficult or seemingly destructive circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadnezzar a believer or a righteous king, given that God called him "my servant"?**

Answer: No, Nebuchadnezzar was not a believer in Yahweh or a righteous king in the biblical sense. The term "my servant" (H5650, _ʻebed_) here does not imply a covenant relationship, personal devotion, or moral uprightness. Instead, it signifies that Nebuchadnezzar was an instrument or agent in God's hand, unknowingly serving God's divine purpose to execute judgment upon Judah and other nations. God's sovereignty extends over all rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him, using them to accomplish His will, as also seen when God refers to [Cyrus as His "shepherd" in Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus, God's Shepherd").

**What does "astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations" mean for the land and its people?**

Answer: These phrases vividly describe the comprehensive and lasting nature of the judgment. "Astonishment" (H8047, _shammâh_) refers to the shock, horror, and utter ruin that would befall the land, leaving it desolate and causing observers to be appalled. "Hissing" (H8322, _shᵉrêqâh_) implies scorn, mockery, and derision from those who witness the destruction, highlighting the public humiliation and disgrace of Judah. "Perpetual desolations" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_ H2723, _chorbâh_) emphasizes that the devastation would be long-lasting, perhaps even seemingly endless, leaving the land uninhabited and wasted for an extended period, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Desolation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 25:9 directly speaks of God's judgment through a pagan king, its Christ-centered fulfillment is found not in a direct parallel, but in the broader redemptive narrative it serves. The severe judgment against Judah, leading to exile and desolation, underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, principles that find their ultimate expression in Christ. The "perpetual desolations" foreshadow the spiritual desolation and separation from God that humanity experiences due to sin, a condition that only Christ can remedy. Jesus, the true "servant" of the Lord (as prophesied in [Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")), willingly submitted to the Father's will, not to bring judgment upon others, but to bear the judgment for humanity's sin on the cross. His sacrifice on Calvary was the ultimate divine act, where the "utter destruction" of sin's power was achieved, transforming spiritual "desolations" into new life and reconciliation with God. Thus, the stern warning of Jeremiah 25:9 ultimately points to the profound need for the redemptive work of Christ, who, unlike Nebuchadnezzar, was truly God's obedient and beloved servant, bringing not destruction but salvation and eternal life to all who believe, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God's people would no longer be scattered but gathered under the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd").

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 18:16

To make their land desolate, [and] a perpetual hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.

Isaiah 13:3

I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, [even] them that rejoice in my highness.

Jeremiah 1:15

For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:10

And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.

Jeremiah 43:10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Ezekiel 29:18

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: