Cup-bearer
Jeremiah tells the exiles that they will be conquered by Yahweh’s “servant” Nebuchadnezzar and will be under Babylon for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:8-11). When the time’s up, Yahweh will punish Babylon and recompense them for their deeds (vv. 12-14).
In preparation for this eventual judgment, Yahweh hands a cup to Jeremiah and tells him to serve it to the nations to make them “stagger and go mad.” Jeremiah dutifully takes the cup and makes all the nations drink (vv. 15-17).
Jeremiah is a new Joseph, a Nehemiah, cupbearer to the King. Prophets are always cup-bearers, global bartenders, serving out the wine of joy and the wine of wrath.
And we are all invited each week to a feast of wine that is also a school of prophets.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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