Jeremiah 25:25
all the kings of Zimri, Elam, and Media;
all the kings of Zimri
The mention of "all the kings of Zimri" refers to a region or people group that is not extensively detailed in other parts of the Bible, leading to some scholarly debate. The Hebrew root for Zimri could be linked to a nomadic tribe or a lesser-known kingdom. Historically, Zimri might have been a small, possibly transient, political entity. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, reaching even those who might seem insignificant or obscure. It serves as a reminder that no nation or leader is beyond the reach of divine sovereignty and accountability.

Elam
Elam was an ancient civilization located in what is now southwestern Iran. The Hebrew root for Elam is "עֵילָם" (Eylam), which is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a significant power. Elam's inclusion in this prophecy highlights its historical importance and its interactions with Israel and other neighboring nations. Archaeological findings have uncovered Elamite texts and artifacts, underscoring its rich cultural and political history. In the context of Jeremiah's prophecy, Elam represents the far-reaching scope of God's judgment, extending to powerful and influential nations.

Media
Media, known in Hebrew as "מָדַי" (Madai), was an ancient kingdom located in the region of present-day northwestern Iran. The Medes were known for their role in the downfall of the Assyrian Empire and later formed a significant part of the Medo-Persian Empire. The inclusion of Media in this verse underscores the breadth of God's judgment, as Media was a formidable power during Jeremiah's time. Historically, the Medes were known for their military prowess and strategic alliances. This reference serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate authority of God over all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zimri
A region or people group mentioned in the context of God's judgment. The exact location is uncertain, but it is often associated with a nomadic tribe or a region in Arabia.

2. Elam
An ancient kingdom located in what is now southwestern Iran. Elam was a significant power in the ancient Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Bible as an enemy of Israel.

3. Media
A region and people located in what is now northwestern Iran. The Medes were known for their role in the downfall of the Assyrian Empire and later formed a significant part of the Medo-Persian Empire.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, regardless of their power or influence. His plans and purposes will prevail, as seen in His judgment against Zimri, Elam, and Media.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
Just as God pronounced judgment on these ancient nations, His justice is certain and will be executed in His perfect timing. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

Hope in Restoration
While judgment is a key theme, God's ultimate desire is restoration. The prophecies against these nations often include a promise of future hope, reflecting God's mercy and grace.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Prophecies like those in Jeremiah serve to affirm the reliability of God's Word. They remind us that God is faithful to His promises, both in judgment and in blessing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of Zimri, Elam, and Media in Jeremiah 25:25 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Elam in Jeremiah 49 provide a deeper understanding of God's justice and mercy?

3. How can the historical fulfillment of prophecies concerning Media and Babylon, as seen in Daniel 5, strengthen our faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What lessons can we learn from the judgment of these ancient nations that apply to our personal lives and communities today?

5. How can we balance the themes of judgment and restoration in our understanding of God's character, and how should this influence our approach to sharing the Gospel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 49
This chapter contains a prophecy against Elam, highlighting God's judgment and eventual restoration, which connects to the broader theme of divine justice and mercy.

Isaiah 21
Mentions Media in the context of the fall of Babylon, illustrating the role of Media in God's plan to judge nations.

Daniel 5
The fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians is a fulfillment of God's judgment, showing the historical unfolding of prophecies mentioned in Jeremiah.
Judgment Plainly DeclaredA.F. Muir
People
Amon, Babylonians, Buz, Dedan, Elam, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Tema, Zidon, Zimri
Places
Ammon, Arabia, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Babylon, Buz, Dedan, Edom, Egypt, Ekron, Elam, Gaza, Jerusalem, Media, Moab, Sidon, Tema, Tyre, Uz, Zimri
Topics
Elam, Kings, Medes, Media, Zimri
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 25:15-29

     5602   vomit

Jeremiah 25:17-27

     1310   God, as judge

Library
Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Man and the Book.
In this and the following lectures I attempt an account and estimate of the Prophet Jeremiah, of his life and teaching, and of the Book which contains them--but especially of the man himself, his personality and his tempers (there were more than one), his religious experience and its achievements, with the various high styles of their expression; as well as his influence on the subsequent religion of his people. It has often been asserted that in Jeremiah's ministry more than in any other of the
George Adam Smith—Jeremiah

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
THE FALL OF NINEVEH AND THE RISE OF THE CHALDAEAN AND MEDIAN EMPIRES--THE XXVIth EGYPTIAN DYNASTY: CYAXARES, ALYATTES, AND NEBUCHADREZZAR. The legendary history of the kings of Media and the first contact of the Medes with the Assyrians: the alleged Iranian migrations of the Avesta--Media-proper, its fauna and flora; Phraortes and the beginning of the Median empire--Persia proper and the Persians; conquest of Persia by the Medes--The last monuments of Assur-bani-pal: the library of Kouyunjik--Phraortes
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
(Peræa, or Judæa, Near the Jordan.) ^A Matt. XX. 17-28; ^B Mark X. 32-45; ^C Luke XVIII. 31-34. ^b 32 And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem [Dean Mansel sees in these words an evidence that Jesus had just crossed the Jordan and was beginning the actual ascent up to Jerusalem. If so, he was in Judæa. But such a construction strains the language. Jesus had been going up to Jerusalem ever since he started in Galilee, and he may now have still be in Peræa. The parable
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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