John Calvin Commentary Jeremiah 25:17

"Then took I the cup at Jehovah`s hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom Jehovah had sent me:" — Jeremiah 25:17 (ASV)

The Prophet now adds that he obeyed God’s command; for he had often testified before that he was constrained to perform his office, a duty he would willingly not have undertaken if he had been free. But as he was bound to obey the divine call, it was evident that it was not his fault, and that he was unjustly accused by the people of being the author of the evils denounced.

Indeed, we know that the prophets incurred much ill-will and reproach from the rebellious and those who despised God, as though all their calamities were to be attributed to them.

Jeremiah then says that he took the cup and gave it to drink to all the nations: he indicates that he had no desire to do this, but that he was compelled to perform his office. He then shows who these nations were.