The term "Golden Cup" appears in the Bible as a symbol of both opulence and judgment, often associated with divine wrath and the corruption of nations. It is a powerful image that conveys the dual nature of wealth and sin, serving as a metaphor for the allure and eventual downfall of those who turn away from God.

Jeremiah 51:7
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah uses the imagery of a golden cup to describe Babylon's influence over the nations. "Babylon was a golden cup in the hand of the LORD, making the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore the nations have gone mad" (Jeremiah 51:7). Here, the golden cup represents Babylon's wealth and power, which seduced other nations into idolatry and moral corruption. The cup is in the hand of the LORD, indicating that God allowed Babylon to rise as a tool for His purposes, yet it also foreshadows Babylon's eventual judgment and fall.

Revelation 17:4
In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation further develops the symbolism of the golden cup in the context of divine judgment. The apostle John describes a vision of a woman, often interpreted as representing a corrupt and idolatrous system, holding a golden cup: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality" (Revelation 17:4). This imagery underscores the seductive nature of sin and the false allure of wealth and power. The golden cup, filled with abominations, signifies the moral and spiritual decay that accompanies the rejection of God's truth.

Symbolism and Interpretation
The golden cup serves as a potent symbol of the tension between material wealth and spiritual fidelity. In both Jeremiah and Revelation, the cup is associated with nations or entities that have turned away from God, using their prosperity to lead others astray. The cup's golden exterior contrasts sharply with its corrupt contents, highlighting the deceptive nature of sin, which often appears attractive but leads to destruction.

From a theological perspective, the golden cup is a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and moral compromise. It warns believers of the dangers of being enticed by worldly wealth and power, urging them to remain faithful to God's commandments. The imagery also reassures the faithful that God is sovereign over history, using even the actions of sinful nations to fulfill His divine purposes and ultimately bringing about justice and redemption.

Historical and Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, golden cups were symbols of luxury and status, often used in royal banquets and religious ceremonies. Their presence in biblical texts would have resonated with contemporary audiences, who understood the cultural significance of such opulent items. The use of a golden cup as a metaphor for divine judgment would have been a powerful and relatable image, illustrating the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring authority of God.

Overall, the golden cup in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the allure of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. It calls believers to discernment and faithfulness, reminding them of the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over the fleeting allure of worldly wealth and power.