Jeremiah 25:20
And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְאֵ֕ת
H853
וְאֵ֕ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָע֑וּץ
of Uz
H5780
הָע֑וּץ
of Uz
Strong's:
H5780
Word #:
8 of 22
uts, a son of aram, also a seirite, and the regions settled by them
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
וְאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
of the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
13 of 22
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Job 1:1There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.Isaiah 20:1In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;Jeremiah 50:37A sword is upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that are in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword is upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.Ezekiel 30:5Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.Lamentations 4:21Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked.Jeremiah 25:24And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,Exodus 12:38And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.
Historical Context
The Philistine cities along Palestine's coast had complex relationships with surrounding powers—sometimes allied with Egypt, sometimes with Assyria, frequently at war with Israel. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns systematically conquered these cities. Archaeological evidence shows destruction layers at Ashkelon and other Philistine sites dating to the Babylonian period. The land of Uz's exact location remains debated, but Arabian territories fell to Babylon's expanding empire, fulfilling this prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's judgment of diverse peoples (mercenaries, distant lands, ancient enemies) demonstrate universal moral accountability?
- What does the inclusion of both Israel's enemies and distant nations teach about the scope of divine sovereignty?
- How should the certainty that all nations face God's judgment shape Christian missions and evangelism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod. The phrase ʾeṯ-kol-hāʿereḇ (אֶת־כָּל־הָעֶרֶב, all the mingled people) likely refers to mixed populations or mercenary troops serving Egypt. The ʾereṣ ʿÛṣ (אֶרֶץ עוּץ, land of Uz) is Job's homeland (Job 1:1), possibly Edomite or Arabian territory southeast of Palestine. The Philistine pentapolis (five cities) is listed: Ashkelon, Gaza (Azzah), Ekron, and notably Ashdod's 'remnant'—suggesting prior destruction, perhaps by Egyptian or Assyrian campaigns.
This catalog demonstrates God's sovereignty over all peoples, not merely Israel. The Philistines were Israel's ancient enemies; Uz represents distant territories. All stand equally under divine judgment. No nation escapes accountability before the Creator. This universality of judgment appears throughout Scripture: 'God will judge the world in righteousness' (Acts 17:31), 'every knee shall bow' (Romans 14:11), and Revelation's vision of all tribes, tongues, and nations before the throne (Revelation 7:9). Geographic, ethnic, and cultural distinctions are irrelevant before divine justice.