TRV
Translation
King James Version
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:
Complete Jewish Bible
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
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;
World English Bible Messianic
For the Lord said to me, “Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For thus hath the Lord sayd vnto me, Yet a yeere according to the yeeres of an hireling, and all the glorie of Kedar shall faile.
Young's Literal Translation
For thus said the Lord unto me: `Within a year, as years of a hireling, Consumed hath been all the honour of Kedar.
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In the KJVVerse 18,052 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Isaiah 21 verses 13–17
13 ¶ The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.
14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.
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:
17 And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it.
Arabia was a large country, that lay eastward and southward of the land of Canaan. Much of it was possessed by the posterity of Abraham. The Dedanim, here mentioned (Isa 21:13), descended from Dedan, Abraham's son by Keturah; the inhabitants of Tema and Kedar descended from Ishmael, Gen 25:3, Gen 25:13, Gen 25:15. The Arabians generally lived in tents, and kept cattle, were a hardy people, inured to labour; probably the Jews depended upon them as a sort of a wall between them and the more warlike eastern nations; and therefore, to alarm them, they shall hear the burden of Arabia, and see it sinking under its own burden.
I. A destroying army shall be brought upon them, with a sword, with a drawn sword, with a bow ready bent, and with all the grievousness of war, Isa 21:15. It is probable that the king of Assyria, in some of the marches of his formidable and victorious army, took Arabia in his way, and, meeting with little resistance, made an easy prey of them. The consideration of the grievousness of war should make us thankful for the blessings of peace.
II. The poor country people will hereby be forced to flee for shelter wherever they can find a place; so that the travelling companies of Dedanium, which used to keep the high roads with their caravans, shall be obliged to quit them and lodge in the forest in Arabia (Isa 21:13), and shall not have the wonted convenience of their own tents, poor and weather-beaten as they are.
III. They shall stand in need of refreshment, being ready to perish for want of it, in their flight from the invading army: "O you inhabitants of the land of Tema!" (who probably were next neighbours to the companies of Dedanim) "bring you water" (so the margin reads it) "to him that is thirsty, and prevent with your bread those that flee, for they are objects of your compassion; they do not wander for wandering sake, nor are they reduced to straits by any extravagance of their own, but they flee from the sword." Tema was a country where water was sometimes a scarce commodity (as we find, Job 6:19), and we may conclude it would be in a particular manner acceptable to these poor distressed refugees. Let us learn hence. 1. To look for distress ourselves. We know not what straits we may be brought into before we die. Those that live in cities may be forced to lodge in forests; and those may know the want of necessary food who now eat bread to the full. Our mountain stands not so strong but that it may be moved, rises not so high but that it may be scaled. These Arabians would the better bear these calamities because in their way of living they had used themselves to hardships. 2. To look with compassion upon those that are in distress, and with all cheerfulness to relieve them, not knowing how soon their case may be ours: "Bring water to those that are thirsty, and not only give bread to those that need and ask it, but prevent those with it that have need; give it to them unasked." Those that do so shall find it remembered to their praise, as (according to our reading) it is here remembered to the praise of the land of Tema that they did bring water to the thirsty and relieved even those that were on the falling side.
IV. All that which is the glory of Kedar shall vanish away and fail. Did they glory in their numerous herds and flocks? They shall all be driven away by the enemy. It seems they were famous about other nations for the use of the bow in battle; but their archers, instead of foiling the enemy, shall fall themselves; and the residue of their number, when they are reduced to a small number, shall be diminished (Isa 21:17); their mighty able-bodied men, and men of spirit too, shall become very few; for they, being most forward in the defence of their country, were most exposed, and fell first, either by the enemies' sword or into the enemies' hand. Note, Neither the skill of archers (though they be ever so good marksmen) nor the courage of mighty men can protect a people from the judgments of God, when they come with commission; they rather expose the undertakers. That is poor glory which will thus quickly come to nothing.
V. All this shall be done in a little time: "Within one year according to the years of a hireling (within one year precisely reckoned) this judgment shall come upon Kedar." If this fixing of the time be of no great use to us now (because we find not either when the prophecy was delivered or when it was accomplished), yet it might be of great use to the Arabians then, to awaken them to repentance, that, like the men of Nineveh, they might prevent the judgment when they were thus told it was just at the door. Or, when it begins to be fulfilled, the business shall be done, be begun and ended in one year's time. God, when he please, can do a great work in a little time.
VI. It is all ratified by the truth of God (Isa 21:16); "Thus hath the Lord said to me; you may take my word for it that it is his word;" and we may be sure no word of his shall fall to the ground. And again (Isa 21:17): The Lord God of Israel hath spoken it, as the God of Israel, in pursuance of his gracious designs concerning them; and we may be sure the strength of Israel will not lie.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–17. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 13 onwards) Burden in Arabia. In the evening you will sleep in the thicket, in the paths of Dodanim. Bring water to the thirsty ones you encounter: you who live in the land of the South, offer bread to the ones fleeing. Because they have fled from the swords, from the menacing sword, from the drawn bow, from the severity of battle. For this is what the Lord says to me: In yet one year, like the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end, and the remaining number of archers, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few. For the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken. To me, who was searching and pondering for a long time about what Arabia was, to which the prophetic speech is directed, whether it should be understood as the Moabites, or the Ammonites, and the Edomites, and all the other regions which are now called Arabia, an opportunity is given in this Vision that follows: All the glory of Cedar will be taken away, and the remaining number of mighty archers from the sons of Cedar will be diminished (Isaiah 21:16, 17), to be understood as the Ishmaelites. The book of Genesis teaches that Ishmael, Cedar, and the Hagarites, who are called Saracens by a perverse name, were born. They inhabit the whole wilderness, about whom I think even the poet says: 'And the wandering Barcaeans far and wide' (Virg. Aeneid. IV); and the aforementioned volume, 'He shall dwell against the face of all his brothers' (Gen. XVI, 12): because the very wide desert stretches from India to Mauritania, and the Atlantic Ocean, which I believe sounds the title of Jeremiah: 'Against Cedar and against the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck' (Jer. XLIX, 28); and immediately follows: 'Thus says the Lord, Arise, and ascend to Cedar, and devastate the sons of the East: their tents, and their flocks shall they take, their skins and all their vessels, and they shall take camels for themselves' (Ibid., 29); and again: 'For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has thought a thought against you, and has deliberated against you.' Arise and go up to a quiet and confidently dwelling nation, says the Lord: there are no gates, no bars for them: they dwell alone. And their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil. And I will scatter them to every wind, them that are clipped on the sides: and I will bring destruction upon them from all their borders, says the Lord: and Achor shall be a habitation of dragons, desolate for ever: there shall no man abide there, nor son of man inhabit it. I have placed the entire prophecy and testimony of Jeremiah so that you may understand clearly what Cedar is. And consider how he specifically describes the people of the Ishmaelites, that they dwell in tents: they occupy the dwellings that night brings, they possess herds and flocks of camels: they do not have doors or bolts: for they do not live in cities, but dwell in the wilderness. And so, they were destroyed by the Babylonians, because they completely destroyed the city of Hazor, which was the metropolis of their people, even down to the ground: and yet, their herds of camels and flocks of sheep were captured, and their skins and tents were divided by lot: not all of their people were annihilated, for dromedary camels, numbering over a hundred thousand, are accustomed to flee through the vast wilderness in a single day. The glory of Cedar will be taken away, it says, and with the number of archers diminished, as they excel greatly in the art of war: the rest who have fled will remain. Because we have understood what Cedar is, and what Arabia is, and what Asor is, let us see what the prophet Isaiah says: 'You will sleep in the forest, at evening, on the paths of Dodanim.' The word Arab (), as we have often said, is used for evening, and Arabia, and raven, and plain, and the West. And because we translated it according to the LXX, 'you will sleep,' it can be interpreted as 'you will stay' or 'you will dwell,' which is called αὐλιθήσεσθε in Greek, and in Hebrew it is said 'Thalinu'. Moreover, he also turns to his close relatives and kinsmen. Thus, it is prophesied that now to the Jews, who were able to escape the siege of Babylon, they will cross over to the neighboring wilderness and settle in the solitude of Arabia on the journey that leads to their brothers. And again the conversation turns to the Ishmaelites, and he exhorts them to mercy: run, and bring water to your tired and endangered brothers, for they are thirsty with great fervor of the sun, and unless you help them, they will perish in the wilderness. And not only water, but also bring bread to the fugitives, so that your kindness may relieve those whom the siege has exhausted. At the same time, he explains the reason why he is giving these orders, saying: the Babylonians have fled, the bows of the Elamites have fled, a fierce battle has fled. Do not despise the unfortunate: your captivity will come quickly. For just as the year of a hired worker is swift and considers all labor to be short until he receives the desired wage, so all the glory of the sons of Cedar will be taken from you, and your arrows will be worn out, and only a small number of warriors will remain. Some people want to be taken from what is said, that even in one year, and every glory of Cedar will be taken away, not Babylonian captivity being proclaimed, about which Jeremiah also speaks, but of the Assyrians, who after one year of the devastation of Judah, have widely persecuted the Saracens. Moreover, that place which we have transferred: You who inhabit the land of the South, meet the fugitive with bread: and as if we read in the imperative mode on behalf of the Lord, they affirm that in Hebrew it can be read like this: You who inhabit the land of the South, met the fugitive with bread; just as when God said to them, when they met the thirsty, bring water, they would take away the bread with a hostile mind without water, in order to increase their thirst with food.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Isaiah
(Verse 16, 17.) For thus saith the Lord to me: Within one year, as the years of a hireling, all the glory of Cedar shall be taken away, and the residue of the number of archers of the mighty men of the children of Cedar shall be diminished: for the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it. Therefore I said to you: Run ye to meet with water, and with bread, them that flee from the face of the battle. For thus saith the Lord: The whole glory of Cedar shall be taken away, and there shall be nothing left of the number of the very strong bowmen of the children of Cedar. For the Lord God of Israel hath spoken it. And it shall come to pass in that day, that every glory of Cedar shall be brought to nothing, and the bow long shall be made weaker. And the number of them that bow themselves down shall be diminished, and they that remain shall be diminished: because the Lord hath spoken it. And the men that shall be left in it, shall be as the biting of a flesh eating moth: and they shall be as a spark among the trees, and as dry stubble: And they that were shall be as a burning in lime: they shall be burnt and devoured together, and there shall be none that shall deliver them. Expect therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth: patiently bearing till he receive the early and latter rain. Be you therefore also patient, and strengthen your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. For the Lord of all has spoken these things, and specifically the God of Israel, that is, the God who is perceived by those who have understanding.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:16 delivers a precise and unyielding prophecy from the Lord concerning the imminent downfall of Kedar, a prominent Arabian tribe. This divine decree, conveyed directly to the prophet, establishes a strict, non-negotiable timeline of "within a year," likened to the fixed term of a hireling's contract. The prophecy guarantees that all the esteemed "glory" of Kedar—encompassing its wealth, military strength, and tribal honor—will utterly diminish and fail, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the transient nature of earthly power and prestige.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The primary device is Prophecy, presented as a direct divine decree ("For thus hath the Lord said unto me"), lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement. The prophet acts as a direct conduit for God's word, emphasizing its infallibility. A significant Metaphor is found in the phrase "according to the years of an hireling." This comparison vividly illustrates the fixed, non-negotiable, and definite timeline of Kedar's demise, likening it to a contract with a clear expiration date. This grounds the abstract concept of divine timing in a relatable, culturally understood reality, intensifying the sense of impending doom. Furthermore, the phrase "all the glory of Kedar" uses Synecdoche or Hyperbole to represent the entirety of Kedar's power, wealth, and prestige, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of its impending destruction. The stark contrast between Kedar's current "glory" and its destined "failure" creates a powerful Antithesis, highlighting the transient nature of earthly power when confronted with divine sovereignty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 21:16 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty or glorious, can stand against His decree. It underscores the biblical principle that God holds all peoples accountable for their actions and that His word, once spoken, is unfailingly true and will be fulfilled with precision. The swift and certain downfall of Kedar's "glory" serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in fleeting human achievements, wealth, or military might. It redirects focus from the transient nature of earthly kingdoms to the enduring and eternal reign of God. This passage reminds us that true security and lasting glory are found only in submission to the Lord, who "changes the times and the seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21).
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of God's unwavering control over all aspects of human history and the ultimate futility of placing our hope in anything other than Him. In a world where nations rise and fall, and where personal achievements, material possessions, and even societal ideologies are often pursued as ultimate sources of security and glory, this verse serves as a powerful corrective. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that all earthly "glory" is temporary and subject to divine appointment. Our true and lasting security is found not in our wealth, power, or status, but in the unchanging character and eternal promises of God. This should inspire us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in that which has eternal value and trusting in the God whose word never fails, even when circumstances seem uncertain or overwhelming.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Kedar, and why was this prophecy directed at them?
Answer: Kedar (H6938, Qêdâr) was a prominent and powerful nomadic Arabian tribe, descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). They were known for their wealth, derived from extensive trade routes, their vast flocks of sheep and goats, and their skilled archers (Isaiah 60:7 and Isaiah 21:17). This prophecy was directed at them as part of Isaiah's broader series of "burdens" or "oracles" against various foreign nations (Isaiah 13-Isaiah 23). These prophecies collectively demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, showing that He is not only the God of Israel but the Lord of all history, holding even powerful pagan nations accountable for their actions and pride.
What does "according to the years of a hireling" mean in this context?
Answer: The phrase "according to the years of a hireling" (H7916, sâkîyr) is a vivid Hebrew idiom that refers to a laborer or mercenary whose service is strictly for a fixed, agreed-upon period, typically one year. The key aspect is that such a contract has a definite, non-extendable expiration date. In the context of Isaiah 21:16, this idiom emphasizes the absolute certainty, precision, and non-negotiable imminence of Kedar's downfall. It means that Kedar's time of "glory" was divinely appointed to end within a specific, short timeframe—one year—and there would be no reprieve or extension. It highlights God's perfect timing and the unfailing nature of His prophetic word, underscoring that His decrees are as binding as a legal contract.
Was the prophecy against Kedar fulfilled?
Answer: While the Bible does not provide a specific historical account of the exact fulfillment of Isaiah 21:16, historical records and archaeological findings suggest that the Arabian tribes, including Kedar, faced significant pressures and military defeats from the Assyrian Empire (under Sargon II and Sennacherib) and later from the Babylonians (under Nebuchadnezzar) around the predicted timeframe. These empires often launched campaigns into Arabia to secure trade routes and subdue rebellious tribes. The "failure" of Kedar's "glory" would have involved the loss of their military strength, economic prosperity, and tribal independence. The precision of Isaiah's prophecies concerning other nations (e.g., Babylon, Tyre) gives strong confidence that this prophecy against Kedar was indeed fulfilled, even if the detailed historical record outside of Scripture is sparse. This fulfillment would have served as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's prophetic word to both Israel and the surrounding nations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 21:16, with its stark declaration of the transient nature of earthly glory and the certainty of divine judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "glory of Kedar" was destined to "fail," a powerful reminder that all human kingdoms, power, and achievements are fleeting and ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. This contrasts sharply with the enduring and eternal glory of Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). While Kedar's glory perished, Christ's kingdom "shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever" (Daniel 2:44). The certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment against Kedar foreshadows the absolute certainty of God's ultimate judgment against all sin and rebellion, which was fully borne by Christ on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Moreover, the divine decree that brings down earthly powers points to the ultimate triumph of Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18) and whose return will usher in the full and final establishment of His eternal reign, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Philippians 2:10-11). Thus, the failure of Kedar's glory serves as a prophetic echo of the ultimate demise of all that opposes God, culminating in the glorious and everlasting reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.