John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 25:1

"The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon,)" — Jeremiah 25:1 (ASV)

His prophecy undoubtedly preceded the vision we have just explained. This vision had been presented to Jeremiah when Jehoiakim died and Zedekiah began to reign in place of Jeconiah; Zedekiah, the last king, was substituted for his nephew Jeconiah. However, what is related now is the prophecy Jeremiah was instructed to proclaim in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, who, as we will see later, reigned for eleven years.

From this, we conclude that his book is composed of various addresses, but the order of time has not always been preserved. The essence of it all is that when God found that the people could not be reformed or restored to a sound mind by any warnings, He pronounced final ruin upon both the Jews and all the neighboring nations. Why He included the Gentiles, we will see later.

He then says that this prophecy was entrusted to him in the fourth year of Jehoiakim; and he adds that the same year was the first of King Nebuchadnezzar. This seems inconsistent with other passages where the third year of Jehoiakim is mentioned instead of the fourth year. Therefore, a long period is designated as the first year of Nebuchadnezzar.

But a solution to this is not difficult if we consider that Nebuchadnezzar suddenly returned to Chaldea to settle his affairs at home when the report of his father’s death was brought to him. He feared that in his absence a tumult might arise, as often happened. He was therefore anxious to secure his own affairs. After settling things at home, he brought Jehoiakim into subjection, and in the fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign, he compelled him to open his treasures and also led away captive those whom he wished.

And it was at this time that Daniel and his companions were led away into exile, and the precious vessels of the Temple were removed. Regarding the first year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he reigned first with his father. Then, when he reigned alone, the beginning of this new sole reign is rightly referred to as his first year. Although he had been made king earlier, he did not exercise supreme power until his father’s death; it was not until that event that he was truly king. This is the reason why mention is made of his first year.

But we should especially notice what the Prophet says: that the word came to him, not for his own sake, but so that he might be the public herald of God.