Jeremiah 25:17

So I took the cup from the LORD's hand and made all the nations drink from it, each one to whom the LORD had sent me,

Study Bible

So I took the cup
The phrase "the cup" in biblical literature often symbolizes God's judgment or wrath. In Hebrew, the word for "cup" is "kôs," which can denote a vessel for drinking but also metaphorically represents a portion or fate assigned by God. This imagery is consistent throughout the Old Testament, where the cup is a symbol of divine retribution (e.g., Psalm 75:8). Jeremiah, as a prophet, is obediently accepting the task of delivering God's judgment to the nations, signifying his role as a mediator of divine will.

from the LORD’s hand
The phrase "from the LORD’s hand" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the message Jeremiah is delivering. In Hebrew, "YHWH" is the sacred name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English. The "hand" of the LORD signifies power, control, and direct involvement in the affairs of humanity. This imagery underscores that the judgment is not from Jeremiah himself but is a direct commission from God, highlighting the seriousness and inevitability of the message.

and made all the nations
The phrase "all the nations" indicates the universal scope of God's judgment. In the context of Jeremiah's time, this would include not only Israel and Judah but also the surrounding nations that were often in conflict with God's people. The Hebrew word for "nations" is "goyim," which can refer to peoples or ethnic groups outside of Israel. This reflects the biblical theme that God is sovereign over all the earth, not just Israel, and holds all nations accountable to His standards.

to whom He sent me
This phrase highlights Jeremiah's role as a prophet sent by God. The Hebrew verb "shalach" means "to send," indicating a mission or purpose. Jeremiah's prophetic mission was divinely appointed, and he was to act as God's messenger. This underscores the concept of divine calling and the responsibility of the prophet to faithfully deliver God's message, regardless of personal cost or the reception by the audience.

drink it
The act of making the nations "drink it" symbolizes the forced acceptance of God's judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, drinking from a cup could signify participation in a covenant or acceptance of a fate. Here, it represents the unavoidable nature of divine judgment. The imagery of drinking is often used in the Bible to convey the idea of experiencing the consequences of one's actions, particularly in the context of divine retribution (e.g., Isaiah 51:17). This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of turning away from God's commands and the certainty of His justice.

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. He is known for his perseverance in the face of opposition.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is sovereign over all nations and uses Jeremiah as His mouthpiece to communicate His will.

3. The Cup
Symbolic of God's wrath and judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a cup often represented one's fate or destiny, particularly in the context of divine judgment.

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

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution that God is about to bring upon the nations due to their sins and rebellion against Him.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is sovereign over all nations and uses His prophets to communicate His will. This should lead us to trust in His ultimate plan and purpose.

The Seriousness of Sin
The imagery of the cup of wrath serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment. It calls us to repentance and a renewed commitment to holiness.

The Role of a Prophet
Jeremiah's obedience in delivering God's message, despite its difficulty, challenges us to be faithful in our own callings, even when faced with opposition.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the passage emphasizes judgment, it also points to God's desire for repentance and restoration, reminding us of His mercy and grace.

Global Perspective
The inclusion of all nations in God's judgment highlights the universal scope of His justice, encouraging us to pray for and engage with the world around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the cup in Jeremiah 25:17 deepen your understanding of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can we see the sovereignty of God at work in the world today, similar to how He directed Jeremiah?

3. How does the concept of divine judgment in Jeremiah 25:17 connect with the New Testament teachings on God's justice?

4. What can we learn from Jeremiah's obedience and perseverance in delivering God's message, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

5. How does understanding the seriousness of sin and God's judgment influence your daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Revelation 14:10
The imagery of drinking the cup of God's wrath is echoed in the New Testament, highlighting the continuity of God's justice.

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