IN STUDYING BIBLE PROPHECY, ONE MUST BECOME IMPRESSED BY THE EXTREME ACCURACY OF THE PROPHECIES. In a correct translation of the original language, we always find Yahweh says Exactly what He means. Often the significance of apparently quaint or peculiar expressions is not seen until the time for fulfilment approaches, then we see the great precision of expression. One of the prophecies, which has come to partial fulfilment, concerns the cup of wrath. Yahweh’s anger against wickedness is often spoken of as a cup from which the wicked must drink. For example Psalm 75:8 records:
“For the cup is in the hand of Yahweh, with foaming wine, thoroughly mixed and he pours it out to one and another. Surely all the wicked of the earth must drink and drain its dregs.” (Smith and Goodspeed Translation)
Beginning in the time of the prophet Jeremiah, Yahweh’s judgment on the nations began, in accordance with the principle that “Judgment must begin at the house of Yahweh.” (1 Peter 4:17)
Israel and Judah were already under captivity, but all the nations of the world were rank with wickedness, so worldwide judgment must come. Until the time of the end however, another principle was followed, there would not be a single, universal judgment, but one nation punishing another one at a time. The great prophet Jeremiah, recorded in Jeremiah 1:10, had been commissioned by Yahweh to root out, to pull down, to destroy and to throw down many nations. Now Jeremiah was commanded to begin his work.