Jeremiah 25:28

If they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink it, you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'You most certainly must drink it!

Study Bible

If they refuse to take the cup
The phrase "refuse to take the cup" is deeply symbolic, representing the rejection of God's judgment. In the Hebrew context, the "cup" often symbolizes divine wrath or judgment (Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17). The imagery of a cup is used throughout the Bible to depict the portion or fate that God assigns to individuals or nations. Here, the refusal indicates a denial or unwillingness to accept the consequences of their actions, a common theme in prophetic literature where people often resist acknowledging their sins and the resulting divine judgment.

from your hand
The phrase "from your hand" signifies the role of the prophet as God's messenger. Jeremiah, as a prophet, acts as the intermediary between God and the people. The "hand" symbolizes agency and authority, indicating that Jeremiah is delivering a message directly from God. This emphasizes the seriousness of the message and the responsibility placed upon Jeremiah to convey God's will, a task that prophets often found burdensome yet unavoidable (Jeremiah 1:9, Ezekiel 3:17).

and drink it
"Drink it" is a command that signifies the inevitability of experiencing God's judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, drinking from a cup was a metaphor for fully experiencing something, often used in the context of suffering or punishment. This command underscores the certainty of divine justice; despite human resistance, God's decrees will be fulfilled. The act of drinking implies acceptance and submission to God's will, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture as a call to repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (Matthew 26:39).

you are to tell them
This phrase highlights the prophet's duty to communicate God's message, regardless of the audience's response. It underscores the prophetic role as a mouthpiece for God, tasked with delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope. The imperative "tell them" reflects the urgency and importance of the message, emphasizing that God's word must be proclaimed even in the face of opposition or disbelief (Ezekiel 2:7, Acts 4:20).

‘This is what the LORD of Hosts says
The title "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful designation of God, emphasizing His supreme authority and command over the heavenly armies. This title is often used in contexts of judgment and deliverance, highlighting God's power to execute His will on earth. It reassures the faithful of God's ultimate control and serves as a warning to those who oppose Him. The phrase "This is what the LORD of Hosts says" authenticates the message as divine, not merely human opinion, reinforcing the authority and inevitability of the prophecy (Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 24:10).

You must drink it!’
The phrase "You must drink it!" is a definitive statement of God's judgment. The use of "must" indicates an unavoidable decree, emphasizing that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human resistance. This command serves as a final declaration of the certainty of divine justice, urging the audience to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the need for repentance. It reflects the biblical theme of accountability before God, where each individual and nation must face the consequences of their actions (Revelation 14:10, Jeremiah 49:12).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah and the surrounding nations.

2. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the armies of heaven and earth.

3. The Nations
Refers to the various kingdoms surrounding Judah, including Babylon, Egypt, and others, who are recipients of God's judgment.

4. The Cup
Symbolizes God's wrath and judgment that the nations are compelled to drink, representing the consequences of their sins.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which is also subject to God's judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is sovereign over all nations and His judgments are just and righteous.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
Acknowledge that God's judgment is inevitable for those who persist in sin and rebellion against Him.

Repentance and Obedience
Emphasize the importance of repentance and turning back to God to avoid His wrath.

The Symbolism of the Cup
Reflect on the symbolism of the cup as a representation of both judgment and, through Christ, redemption.

God's Patience and Justice
Understand that while God is patient, His justice will ultimately prevail, and we must be prepared to face His judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cup in Jeremiah 25:28 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the concept of God's sovereignty over nations challenge or comfort you in today's world?

3. How can we apply the lessons of repentance and obedience from Jeremiah's message to our personal lives?

4. What connections can you draw between the cup of wrath in Jeremiah and the cup Jesus refers to in the New Testament?

5. How does understanding God's patience and justice influence your perspective on current global events and personal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 51:17
This passage also uses the imagery of a cup to represent God's wrath, highlighting the theme of divine judgment.

Revelation 14:10
The imagery of drinking the cup of God's wrath is echoed in the New Testament, emphasizing the ultimate judgment on those who oppose God.

Psalm 75:8
Describes God as holding a cup of foaming wine, which He pours out in judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution.

Matthew 26:39
Jesus refers to a cup in His prayer at Gethsemane, symbolizing the suffering He would endure, connecting the idea of a cup with both judgment and redemption.