Isaiah 21:16

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

For thus hath the Lord {H136} said {H559} unto me, Within a year {H8141}, according to the years {H8141} of an hireling {H7916}, and all the glory {H3519} of Kedar {H6938} shall fail {H3615}:

For this is what Adonai has told me: "Within a year [and not a day more], as if a hired worker were keeping track of the time, the glory of Kedar will come to an end.

For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone.

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of a hireling, all the glory of Kedar shall fail;

Isaiah 21:16 declares a swift and certain prophecy against the powerful Arabian tribe of Kedar. The prophet Isaiah conveys a direct message from the Lord, indicating a precise timeline for the downfall of Kedar's prominence and prosperity.

Context of Isaiah 21:16

This verse is part of a larger section in Isaiah known as the "burdens" or "oracles" against various nations, specifically falling under the "burden of Arabia" (Isaiah 21:13). These prophecies demonstrate God's sovereign control not only over Israel but over all surrounding nations. The preceding verses in chapter 21 describe the distress and fear of those fleeing from the approaching judgment, highlighting the severity of what is to come. Kedar was a significant nomadic tribe, descendants of Ishmael, known for their wealth from trade, their skilled archers, and their vast flocks. Their "glory" represented their military strength, economic prosperity, and tribal honor.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Fulfillment: The primary theme is God's impending judgment upon Kedar. This prophecy underscores the biblical principle that God holds all nations accountable for their actions and that His word is unfailingly true.
  • Imminence and Certainty: The phrase "Within a year, according to the years of a hireling" emphasizes the fixed, non-negotiable, and imminent nature of the prophecy. A hireling's contract was typically for a set period, often a year, signifying a definite end. This specific timeframe assures the audience of the prophecy's certain and swift fulfillment.
  • The Transience of Earthly Glory: The "glory of Kedar" — their wealth, power, and prestige — was destined to "fail." This serves as a powerful reminder that all human achievements, strength, and glory are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority. It contrasts sharply with the enduring glory of God's eternal kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "according to the years of a hireling" (כִּשְׁנֵי שָׂכִיר - kishnei sachir) is crucial. A "hireling" (שָׂכִיר - sachir) refers to a laborer or mercenary whose service is strictly for a fixed, agreed-upon period, typically one year. This imagery conveys that Kedar's time of prosperity and power was finite, with a definite and non-extendable expiration date set by God. It’s not an estimation but a divine deadline.

Practical Application

Isaiah 21:16 offers several timeless lessons for a general audience:

  • God's Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their destinies. No earthly power, no matter how strong or wealthy, can stand against His decree.
  • The Certainty of God's Word: Just as God's prophecy concerning Kedar was fulfilled with precision, so too will all His promises and warnings come to pass. This builds confidence in the reliability of Scripture.
  • Humility and Perspective: The downfall of Kedar's "glory" serves as a caution against excessive pride or reliance on material wealth, military might, or social status. True and lasting glory belongs only to God, and our ultimate security is found in Him, not in fleeting earthly possessions or power. As Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 16:14

    But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant [shall be] very small [and] feeble.

  • Psalms 120:5

    ¶ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

  • Isaiah 60:7

    All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

  • Ezekiel 27:21

    Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these [were they] thy merchants.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:5

    I [am] black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

  • Genesis 25:13

    And these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

  • Jeremiah 49:28

    ¶ Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.

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