Jeremiah 25:22
all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The mention of "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon, and then "the kings of the coastland," isn't just listing distant rulers. It highlights that God's judgment isn't limited to one leader or one city at a time, but encompasses entire ruling powers and regions that may have thought themselves safe and separate. This emphasizes the sweeping scope of God's decree against nations that defied Him.
Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment on many nations, and this verse lists some of the wealthy and powerful coastal cities and their surrounding regions. Following a broader judgment on Judah, this section expands to include Tyre and Sidon, and then those in lands across the sea, likely Phoenician colonies or islands in the Mediterranean. The prophecy will then move to Arab tribes and eventually to the great empires of the north and east.
Jeremiah calls out 'kings of Tyre' and 'kings of Sidon.' But wait, weren't these powerful cities usually ruled by a single king? What's going on here?
The prophet uses 'kings' to represent more than just the ruling monarch.
Representation of Authority
This language likely refers to the collective leadership and influence of these prominent cities. It could encompass individual rulers, powerful families, or even the city's elite who held significant authority.
A Broad Sweep of Judgment
By using the plural, Jeremiah emphasizes that God's judgment isn't just on one person, but on the entire established power structure and the wealthy, influential inhabitants of these renowned Phoenician cities. It signals a comprehensive reckoning.
The verse mentions 'the kings of the coastland across the sea.' What does this mysterious phrase actually refer to, and why is it significant?
The Hebrew phrase translated here as 'coastland' or 'isles' doesn't necessarily mean literal islands in the middle of the sea.
Geographical Understanding
Scholars suggest this phrase was a common way to describe regions across the sea from Israel, often referring to coastal areas, colonies, or lands accessible by sea routes. Think of Phoenician colonies and trade partners all around the Mediterranean.
Global Reach of Judgment
This broadens the scope of Jeremiah's prophecy. It's not just about immediate neighbors but nations reached by maritime trade and influence. It paints a picture of God's judgment extending far beyond the known borders of the time, reaching into the wider Mediterranean world.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, these terms frequently refer to specific nations neighboring Israel that often stood in opposition to God’s covenant people or were subject to His sovereign judgment. They represent the nations of the world that fall under the universal rule of Yahweh.
Jeremiah's prophecy against the nations, including Tyre, Sidon, and the 'coast-lands,' is deeply rooted in the geopolitical realities of the 6th century BC. The verse reflects the historical dominance and eventual subjugation of these powerful Phoenician city-states and their maritime colonies by empires like Babylon and later Persia.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian dominance over Phoenicia
Assyrian kings subjugate the Phoenician city-states, including Tyre and Sidon, often demanding tribute and exerting political influence.
c. 685-670 BC
Assyrian campaigns in Phoenicia
Esarhaddon of Assyria campaigns against Tyre and its island stronghold, eventually forcing it to submit after a long siege.
626-539 BC
Rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire
Following the fall of Assyria, Babylon rises to become the dominant power in the region, eventually conquering Judah.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon destroys Jerusalem and exiles much of the population, solidifying Babylonian control over the Levant.
This passage also describes judgment against Tyre, highlighting its maritime power and wealth, which directly relates to the 'kings of the coastland' mentioned in Jeremiah.
Ezekiel 27:1-36Ezekiel provides a detailed lament over Tyre, emphasizing its extensive trade networks and its ultimate downfall, mirroring the pronouncements against coastal powers in Jeremiah 25.
Psalm 72:10This psalm speaks of kings from distant lands, including 'islands,' bringing tribute to a righteous ruler, offering a contrasting vision of how nations interact with God's chosen people, unlike the judgment in Jeremiah.
Zechariah 9:1-4This prophecy also mentions Tyre and Sidon, describing their arrogance and the judgment that will come upon them, reinforcing the consistent theme of divine reckoning for these prominent maritime cities.
calvinJeremiah 25:22: "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
- Et omnibus regibus Tyri et omnibus regibus Sidonis, et omnibus regibus insulae, quae est (vel, qui sunt; nam verbum nullum ponitur; potest igitur hoc tam ad reges ipsos quam ad insulam referri; qui sunt ergo) ultra mare,
As to the word Island, the number is to be changed; for the Prophet means not one island, but the countries beyond the sea. Some restrict the refe…
pooleJeremiah 25:22: "And all the kings of Tyrus, and all the kings of Zidon, and the kings of the isles which are beyond the sea,"
Tyrus was a strong city upon the borders of the tribe of Asher, Joshua 19:29 2 Samuel 24:7 , a very rich city, and a kingdom, with the king of which (who was Hiram) Solomon in his time traded much, 2 Chronicles 2:3 . Isaiah prophesied its ruin, Jeremiah 23:1 ; so did Ezekiel, Ezekiel 27:28,29 : it was destroyed by Nebuchadrezzar, Ezekiel 29:18 . Zidon was nigh to it, th…
The mention of "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon, and then "the kings of the coastland," isn't just listing distant rulers. It highlights that God's judgment isn't limited to one leader or one city at a time, but encompasses entire ruling powers and regions that may have thought themselves safe and separate. This emphasizes the sweeping scope of God's decree against nations that defied Him.
Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment on many nations, and this verse lists some of the wealthy and powerful coastal cities and their surrounding regions. Following a broader judgment on Judah, this section expands to include Tyre and Sidon, and then those in lands across the sea, likely Phoenician colonies or islands in the Mediterranean. The prophecy will then move to Arab tribes and eventually to the great empires of the north and east.
Jeremiah is pronouncing judgment on many nations, and this verse lists some of the wealthy and powerful coastal cities and their surrounding regions. Following a broader judgment on Judah, this section expands to include Tyre and Sidon, and then those in lands across the sea, likely Phoenician colonies or islands in the Mediterranean. The prophecy will then move to Arab tribes and eventually to the great empires of the north and east.
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c. 585-573 BC— this verse
Babylonian conquest of Tyre
Nebuchadnezzar II lays siege to the island city of Tyre for 13 years, eventually forcing it to submit and pay tribute.
c. 550 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great of Persia begins his conquests, eventually overthrowing the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
"all the kings of Tyre, all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastland across the sea;" — The mention of "all the kings" of Tyre and Sidon, and then "the kings of the coastland," isn't just listing distant rulers. It highlights that God's judgment isn't limited to one leader or one city a…
