21:16 21:16

Isaiah 21:17

22:1 22:1

Bible Versions

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].
And the residue {H7605} of the number {H4557} of archers {H7198}, the mighty men {H1368} of the children {H1121} of Kedar {H6938}, shall be diminished {H4591}: for the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} hath spoken {H1696} it.
Few of Kedar's valiant archers will be left. " ADONAI the God of Isra'el has spoken.
The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.
and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be few; for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath spoken it.

Isaiah 21:17 serves as a stark declaration of divine judgment against a prominent Arab tribe, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the certainty of His word.

Context

This verse is part of the "burden of Arabia" found in Isaiah chapter 21, a collection of prophecies against various foreign nations. Specifically, verses 13-17 focus on Kedar, a powerful nomadic tribe descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), known for their skill as archers and their wealth. The prophecy in verse 16 states that within a year, the glory of Kedar would fail. Verse 17 then provides the specific outcome: their military strength, symbolized by their archers and mighty men, would be severely diminished. This judgment likely came through invading forces, possibly the Assyrians or later the Babylonians, who sought to control trade routes and exert regional dominance, fulfilling God's declared word.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The passage powerfully illustrates that the LORD God of Israel is not merely the God of one nation but the sovereign ruler over all peoples and empires. He orchestrates events and executes judgment even on those who do not acknowledge Him, demonstrating His ultimate authority.
  • Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment: The concluding phrase, "for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken [it]," underscores the absolute reliability of God's word. What He declares will undoubtedly come to pass, regardless of the apparent strength or influence of those targeted. This echoes the principle that God's word will not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
  • Humiliation of Human Pride: Kedar, a renowned warrior tribe, is promised a significant reduction in power and prestige. This serves as a reminder that human strength, military prowess, or national glory are fleeting and ultimately subject to God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Kedar" (Hebrew: קֵדָר, Qedar) means "dark" or "black," possibly referring to their dark tents or complexion. They were a significant and formidable presence in the Arabian desert. The word "diminished" (Hebrew: חָלַל, ḥālal) implies a wasting away, a reduction in number and strength, signifying a significant defeat rather than complete annihilation. The emphatic "hath spoken [it]" (Hebrew: דִּבֶּר, dibbēr) emphasizes the divine decree, highlighting that this is not a mere prediction but a certain pronouncement from the Almighty.

Practical Application

Isaiah 21:17 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Unfailing Word: Just as God's judgment on Kedar was certain because He "hath spoken it," so too are His promises and warnings to us. This should build confidence in His faithfulness and the reliability of Scripture.
  • Humility Before God: The fate of Kedar reminds us that no human power, wealth, or strength can ultimately defy the will of God. It calls for humility, recognizing that all authority and dominion ultimately belong to Him, as seen in Daniel 4:17.
  • God's Control Over All Nations: This prophecy reassures us that God is actively involved in the affairs of all nations, not just His chosen people. He is sovereign over global events, bringing about His purposes even through the rise and fall of empires.
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.

  • Numbers 23:19

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

  • Zechariah 1:6

    But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

  • Isaiah 1:20

    But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Isaiah 10:18

    And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth.

  • Isaiah 10:19

    And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

  • Psalms 107:39

    Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.

  • Isaiah 17:4

    And in that day it shall come to pass, [that] the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean.
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