What was Sheshak?
Sheshak (שֵׁשַׁךְ Shēshak) is a cryptic name used in the book of Jeremiah to refer to Babylon. It appears in Jeremiah 25:26 and Jeremiah 51:41, and is understood to be an example of Atbash, a form of Hebrew cryptography or cipher in which the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet is substituted with the last, the second with the second-to-last, and so on. By this cipher, the name “Sheshak” substitutes for “Babel” (בבל Bābel), thus acting as a coded reference to the kingdom of Babylon.
Biblical References
- Jeremiah 25:26 – “…after them the king of Sheshak shall drink last.”
- Jeremiah 51:41 – “How Sheshak will be captured, the boast of the whole earth seized!”
In both references, “Sheshak” is used prophetically to speak of the eventual judgment and downfall of Babylon, the empire that would bring devastation to Judah and Jerusalem.
Historical and Literary Context
The Use of Atbash
The use of Atbash in referring to Babylon as “Sheshak” is a literary technique that veils the identity of the nation while still conveying its meaning to those who understand the code. This likely served both rhetorical and pastoral purposes—both hiding the direct confrontation from immediate danger and emphasizing God‘s hidden wisdom in judgment.
“Sheshak” is thus a symbolic stand-in for the powerful empire of Babylon, which God would use as His instrument of judgment upon His people (Jeremiah 25:9), only to later judge Babylon itself for its arrogance, idolatry, and violence.
Babylon in Jeremiah
Babylon plays a central role in the prophetic narrative of Jeremiah. It is the kingdom that conquers Jerusalem, destroys the temple, and leads the people into exile. However, Jeremiah also pronounces severe judgment on Babylon (chapters 50-51), portraying it as a proud empire that will face God‘s retribution. Sheshak, in this prophetic usage, is not just a political reference—it is a representation of wickedness, arrogance, and opposition to God.
Theological Significance
God’s Sovereign Justice
The mention of “Sheshak” demonstrates God‘s sovereignty over nations. Babylon, despite being a tool of divine judgment, is not exempt from accountability. Jeremiah 25:26 suggests that Babylon will be the last to “drink” the cup of God’s wrath—a metaphor for divine judgment that Babylon must eventually face. This emphasizes that no nation or power is above God’s authority.
Hidden Wisdom in Prophecy
The use of the cipher Atbash reveals that God’s wisdom often transcends human understanding. In a time when Babylon seemed invincible, Scripture encoded its downfall in a mysterious way—Sheshak would fall, even if the people could not yet see it. This provides hope and assurance that God knows the end from the beginning and will bring justice in His perfect time.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
For believers today, Sheshak is a reminder that world powers, no matter how dominant, are still under God‘s rule. Just as Babylon seemed unstoppable, so do modern empires, systems, or ideologies. But God will humble every prideful power. Sheshak, though cloaked in mystery, is a declaration of God’s eventual justice.
Furthermore, this example calls believers to trust God‘s hidden plan, even when circumstances are oppressive or when enemies appear strong. It echoes Romans 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”
How Sheshak Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Babylon, and by extension Sheshak, stands for the corrupt systems of the world in rebellion against God. In Revelation, Babylon reappears as a symbol of the ultimate enemy of God‘s people (Revelation 17-18). The gospel reveals that Jesus Christ conquers every form of Babylon, not through human power but through the cross and resurrection.
Sheshak’s judgment foreshadows the final judgment Jesus will bring upon all wickedness (Revelation 19:11-21). While Babylon rises and falls, the Kingdom of Christ is eternal. In this way, the fall of Sheshak reminds us of the victory of the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6-10).
Broader Biblical Themes
- Divine Judgment and Justice – God‘s justice reaches all nations, including the ones He temporarily uses for His purposes.
- Sovereignty of God – No empire, however mighty, stands outside God‘s control.
- Apocalyptic Hope – Sheshak (Babylon) anticipates the final fall of the world’s powers in Revelation, where Christ is revealed as King of kings.
- Mystery and Revelation – God often reveals truth in ways that require discernment and faith.
Reflection Questions
- How does the cryptic name “Sheshak” deepen your understanding of God’s message through Jeremiah?
- In what ways are modern societies like Babylon, and how should the church respond?
- How can we take comfort in knowing that God will ultimately judge all evil, even that which seems hidden or powerful today?
- What does the fall of Sheshak teach us about pride, power, and humility before God?
- How does the assurance of Jesus’ final victory encourage you to live faithfully in a world influenced by “Babylonian” systems?
Sheshak, though hidden in a cipher, reveals a truth that shines brightly throughout the Bible: God will humble the proud, overthrow wicked powers, and bring lasting justice through His sovereign hand. For Christians, it points to the final triumph of Christ over all earthly kingdoms.