Isaiah 21:16

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

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;

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21:16 is situated within a series of "burdens" or "oracles" (Hebrew: *massa'*) against various foreign nations, specifically falling under the "burden of Arabia" which commences in [Isaiah 21:13](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13 - The Burden of Arabia"). This section of Isaiah (chapters 13-23) serves a crucial theological purpose: to demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, proving that His authority extends far beyond Israel to encompass the destinies of all surrounding peoples. The verses immediately preceding [Isaiah 21:16](/isaiah/21-16 "Isaiah 21:16 - Prophecy Against Kedar") describe the plight of the Dedanites, another Arabian tribe, fleeing from an unnamed aggressor and seeking refuge, highlighting the widespread distress and impending judgment that will affect the region. The prophecy against Kedar thus serves as a specific, targeted declaration of judgment within this broader context of divine reckoning upon the nations, reinforcing the theme of divine control over geopolitical events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Kedar (H6938, *Qêdâr*) was a powerful and influential nomadic Arabian tribe, descended from Ishmael ([Genesis 25:13](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13 - Descendants of Ishmael")). They were renowned for their extensive flocks of sheep and goats, their wealth derived from controlling crucial trade routes (often involving camels, as mentioned in [Isaiah 60:7](/isaiah/60-7 "Isaiah 60:7 - The Wealth of Kedar and Nebaioth")), and their formidable archers ([Isaiah 21:17](/isaiah/21-17 "Isaiah 21:17 - The Remnant of Kedar's Archers")). Their "glory" (H3519, *kâbôwd*) would have encompassed their economic prosperity, military might, and the honor associated with their tribal identity and independence. The phrase "according to the years of a hireling" (H7916, *sâkîyr*) is a cultural idiom referring to a laborer whose contract is fixed for a specific, non-renewable period, typically one year. This imagery emphasizes the absolute certainty and precise, non-extendable deadline of the prophecy, underscoring that Kedar's time of prominence was divinely predetermined to end.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 21:16](/isaiah/21-16 "Isaiah 21:16 - Prophecy Against Kedar") is **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. God, through His prophet, declares a specific and certain judgment against a powerful nation, demonstrating His ultimate control over the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Another significant theme is the **Transience of Earthly Glory**. Kedar's "glory"—its wealth, military prowess, and prestige—is explicitly stated to "fail," serving as a stark reminder that all human achievements and power are temporary and ultimately subject to God's will. This contrasts sharply with the enduring nature of God's own glory and kingdom ([Psalm 145:13](/psalm/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Finally, the **Certainty and Imminence of Prophecy** is highlighted by the precise "within a year" timeframe, reinforcing the unfailing reliability of God's spoken word and His perfect timing in executing His plans, as seen in other fulfilled prophecies throughout [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This is an emphatic form of the Hebrew word for "lord" or "master," used here as a proper name for God. Its presence signifies the divine authority and absolute sovereignty behind the prophecy. It underscores that this is not merely a human prediction but a direct, authoritative declaration from the one true God, who governs all nations and their destinies.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From a root meaning "weight," this word figuratively denotes splendor, copiousness, honor, or reputation. In the context of Kedar, it refers to their collective wealth, military strength, tribal prestige, and overall prominence among the Arabian peoples. The prophecy states that this entire sum of their esteemed existence will "fail," indicating a comprehensive and devastating loss of all that made them powerful and respected.
* **fail (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This primitive root means "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to perish." It can also mean "to consume" or "to destroy utterly." Its use here signifies a complete and decisive termination of Kedar's glory. It is not merely a decline but an absolute cessation, a perishing of their strength and standing, emphasizing the totality and finality of the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus hath the Lord said unto me":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the prophecy. Isaiah is not speaking his own words or conjectures, but faithfully relaying a direct message from `ʼĂdônây` (the Lord). This phrase authenticates the prophecy, signaling its infallible truth and certainty, and highlighting the prophet's role as a divine messenger.
* **"Within a year, according to the years of an hireling":** This highly specific temporal marker provides a precise deadline for the prophecy's fulfillment. The "years of a hireling" is a powerful metaphor, drawing on the cultural understanding of a laborer's fixed contract, typically for one year, which has a definite, non-extendable end. This idiom emphasizes the absolute certainty, imminence, and non-negotiable nature of the impending judgment. Kedar's time is limited and divinely appointed, with no possibility of extension or delay.
* **"and all the glory of Kedar shall fail":** This is the core declaration of judgment. "All the glory" signifies every aspect of Kedar's power, wealth, and honor—their military might, economic prosperity, and tribal prestige. The verb "shall fail" (H3615, *kâlâh*) indicates a complete and utter cessation or perishing. This is a comprehensive downfall, signaling the end of Kedar's prominence and influence as a nation, a total collapse of their esteemed standing.

#### 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](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")).

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Downfall")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity of Life")

### 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
* **What "glory" in my own life or culture am I tempted to rely on, rather than on God alone?**
* **How does the certainty of God's fulfilled prophecies, like that against Kedar, strengthen my trust in His promises for my own life and for the future?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate a greater reliance on God's sovereignty and less on fleeting earthly securities?**

### 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](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13 - Ishmael's Descendants")). 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](/isaiah/60-7 "Isaiah 60:7 - The Wealth of Kedar") and [Isaiah 21:17](/isaiah/21-17 "Isaiah 21:17 - Kedar's Archers")). This prophecy was directed at them as part of Isaiah's broader series of "burdens" or "oracles" against various foreign nations ([Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Burden Against Babylon")-[Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Burden Against Tyre")). 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](/isaiah/21-16 "Isaiah 21:16 - Prophecy Against Kedar"), 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](/isaiah/21-16 "Isaiah 21:16 - Prophecy Against Kedar"), 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](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). 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](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God")). 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](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). 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](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")) 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](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.