Jeremiah 25:23

Analysis & Commentary

Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners. These Arabian peoples represent distant territories far from Israel. Dedan and Tema were Arabian trading communities (Isaiah 21:13-14, Ezekiel 27:20); Buz was Nahor's son (Genesis 22:21), possibly related to Job's friend Elihu the Buzite (Job 32:2). The phrase kol-qĕṣûṣê pēʾâ (כָּל־קְצוּצֵי פֵאָה, all who cut the corners) likely refers to Arabian tribes who practiced distinctive hair-cutting (Jeremiah 9:26, 49:32), possibly pagan religious practice forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 19:27).

The inclusion of these remote peoples emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's judgment. Not merely Israel's immediate neighbors but distant Arabian tribes would face Babylon's conquests. God's sovereignty extends to earth's remotest corners; no one escapes His jurisdiction. This principle culminates in Revelation's vision: 'every island fled away, and the mountains were not found' (Revelation 16:20). Geographic distance provides no refuge from the omnipresent Judge. Yet Scripture also promises that from these remote peoples, some will come to worship (Isaiah 60:6-7; Matthew 2:1-12).

Historical Context

Arabian territories fell under Babylonian control as Nebuchadnezzar's empire expanded. Jeremiah 49:28-33 specifically prophesies judgment on Kedar and Hazor (Arabian kingdoms), stating 'Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite them.' Cuneiform inscriptions confirm Babylonian campaigns into Arabia. These distant peoples, seemingly far from the covenant drama of Israel and Judah, were nonetheless caught in the empire's expansion—fulfilling the prophecy that God's cup of wrath would reach 'the utmost corners.'

Questions for Reflection

• How does judgment extending to remote Arabian tribes demonstrate that God's sovereignty has no geographic limits?
• What does the inclusion of distant peoples teach about universal accountability before the Creator, regardless of proximity to revealed religion?
• In what ways should the global scope of judgment motivate worldwide evangelism—taking the gospel to 'the utmost corners' before final judgment comes?