Jeremiah 49:28

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning Kedar {H6938}, and concerning the kingdoms {H4467} of Hazor {H2674}, which Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} shall smite {H5221}, thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Arise {H6965} ye, go up {H5927} to Kedar {H6938}, and spoil {H7703} the men {H1121} of the east {H6924}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hatzor, which N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel struck, ADONAI says: "Set out! March against Kedar! Plunder the people of the east!

Berean Standard Bible

Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east!

American Standard Version

Of Kedar, and of the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon smote. Thus saith Jehovah: Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and destroy the children of the east.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:28 delivers a specific prophetic oracle concerning the judgment of Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples inhabiting the Arabian desert. The Lord declares that Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, will be His instrument to strike and plunder these "men of the east," signaling God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His intention to bring judgment upon those who dwell in perceived security, demonstrating that no people group is beyond His divine reach or accountability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger section of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations, specifically [Jeremiah 46-51](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah's Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Following oracles against Egypt, Philistia, Moab, and Ammon, the prophet turns his attention to the desert tribes, particularly Edom (preceding [Jeremiah 49:7-22](/jeremiah/49-7 "Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Edom")) and Damascus (preceding [Jeremiah 49:23-27](/jeremiah/49-23 "Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Damascus")). The oracle against Kedar and Hazor immediately follows the pronouncement against Damascus, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment that extends even to remote and seemingly untouchable peoples. This sequence emphasizes that God's sovereignty is universal, encompassing all kingdoms and peoples, not just Judah and its immediate neighbors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Kedar was a prominent confederation of nomadic Arab tribes, descendants of Ishmael ([Genesis 25:13](/genesis/25-13 "Genesis 25:13 - Descendants of Ishmael")), known for their vast flocks and black goat-hair tents, often associated with wealth from trade routes. They inhabited the northern Arabian desert, east of Judah, and were known for their independence and perceived invulnerability due to their nomadic lifestyle and remote location. Hazor, in this context, likely refers to a more settled or fortified location associated with these desert peoples, perhaps a trading center or a specific clan within the broader Kedarite confederation, signifying a target beyond mere encampments. The explicit mention of **Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon** firmly anchors this prophecy in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a period of immense Babylonian expansion and conquest across the ancient Near East. Nebuchadrezzar was God's chosen instrument of judgment against many nations, including Judah ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadrezzar as God's Servant")).
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Judgment**. God demonstrates His absolute authority over all nations, orchestrating global events and using powerful rulers like Nebuchadrezzar to fulfill His purposes. This underscores that no nation, regardless of its perceived isolation or strength, is exempt from divine accountability. Another key theme is the **Futility of False Security**. Kedar and Hazor likely relied on their geographical remoteness, nomadic agility, or material wealth for protection, but the prophecy warns that such earthly securities are ultimately vain against the unstoppable will of the Almighty. The explicit naming of the conqueror and the detailed nature of the judgment (to "smite" and "spoil") also highlights the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, affirming that what God declares will inevitably come to pass, as seen throughout Jeremiah's oracles, such as the detailed predictions against Babylon itself in [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah's Prophecy Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kedar (Hebrew, _Qêdâr'_):** From H6938, meaning "dusky" or "black," likely referring to the dark goat-hair tents characteristic of these nomadic people, or their complexion. Kedar was a prominent Arab tribe descended from Ishmael, representing the nomadic desert dwellers who were often viewed as independent and remote, yet are here brought under divine judgment.
* **Hazor (Hebrew, _Châtsôwr'_):** From H2674, meaning "village" or "enclosure." While there were several places named Hazor, in this context, it refers to a specific place or collective group associated with Kedar in Arabia, suggesting a more settled aspect of these "men of the east" in contrast to pure nomadism, making them a tangible target for conquest.
* **smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, make (slaughter), slay, smite." This word indicates a decisive and forceful military defeat, signifying a complete subjugation through a powerful, destructive blow, not merely a skirmish but a devastating conquest.
* **men of the east (Hebrew, _bên qedem'_):** From H1121 (_bên_, meaning "son" or "men" in a broad sense) and H6924 (_qedem_, meaning "the front" or "east"). This phrase collectively refers to the nomadic tribes inhabiting the eastern deserts, beyond the settled lands of Judah. It emphasizes their geographical location and perhaps their perceived isolation, yet God’s judgment reaches even these distant peoples.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor,"**: This opening phrase clearly identifies the specific targets of the divine oracle. Kedar represents the nomadic Arab tribes, while "the kingdoms of Hazor" suggests either specific settlements or allied tribal groups within the broader Kedarite sphere, indicating a comprehensive judgment against these desert peoples.
* **"which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite,"**: The instrument of God's judgment is explicitly named. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful Babylonian monarch, is not acting on his own initiative but is divinely appointed to execute the Lord's will, underscoring God's ultimate control over world leaders and empires. The verb "smite" (H5221) signifies a decisive and destructive military action.
* **"thus saith the LORD;"**: This is a classic prophetic formula, emphasizing that the preceding and following words are not Jeremiah's own thoughts but a direct, authoritative declaration from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), the covenant God of Israel. It lends divine authority and certainty to the prophecy.
* **"Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east."**: This is a direct command from the Lord, likely addressed to Nebuchadrezzar's forces (or perhaps to the nations around Kedar to witness or participate). The command to "arise" and "go up" indicates a military campaign, and "spoil" (H7703, _shâdad'_) explicitly means to plunder and lay waste, signifying a thorough and devastating conquest where their wealth and resources will be seized.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:28 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophetic Oracle**, as indicated by the formula "thus saith the LORD," which establishes the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. The naming of specific geographical entities like Kedar and Hazor, along with the historical figure Nebuchadrezzar, grounds the prophecy in a concrete reality, lending it a sense of **Historical Specificity** and **Foreshadowing** of impending events. The command "Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east" functions as a **Divine Imperative**, not merely a prediction but an active decree from God, highlighting His direct involvement in the unfolding of history. Furthermore, the collective term "men of the east" serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing the broader group of nomadic desert tribes targeted by this judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophecy powerfully articulates God's absolute and universal sovereignty, demonstrating that His dominion extends far beyond the borders of Israel to encompass all nations, even those perceived as remote or independent like Kedar and Hazor. It underscores that no earthly power, however mighty or isolated, can escape divine accountability. God uses human agents, even pagan kings like Nebuchadrezzar, as instruments to execute His righteous judgment, revealing His meticulous control over the course of human history and the rise and fall of empires. This serves as a stark reminder that all nations are ultimately subject to the will of the Almighty, and their pride or perceived security will not shield them from the consequences of their actions.

* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadrezzar as God's Servant")
* [Isaiah 21:13-17](/isaiah/21-13 "Isaiah 21:13-17 - Oracle Against Arabia")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:28 serves as a profound reminder that God remains actively engaged in the affairs of nations, orchestrating events and holding all peoples accountable. In a world often characterized by geopolitical shifts, conflicts, and the rise and fall of powerful figures, this verse encourages believers to fix their gaze not on transient earthly powers or the perceived security of human systems, but on the unshakeable sovereignty of the Lord. It calls us to trust that God is working His purposes, even through seemingly chaotic or destructive events, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. For us, this means living with a deep sense of divine oversight, understanding that our lives and the nations we inhabit are under His ultimate authority, prompting both reverence and a call to intercession for leaders and nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the explicit naming of Nebuchadrezzar as God's instrument challenge our understanding of divine control over secular powers?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a community, place our security in "remote" or "independent" things rather than in God's ultimate authority?**
* **What does this prophecy teach us about the certainty of God's word and its fulfillment, both in judgment and in promise?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Kedar and Hazor in Jeremiah's time?**

Answer: Kedar was a prominent and wealthy confederation of nomadic Arab tribes, descendants of Ishmael, known for their extensive flocks and involvement in lucrative trade routes across the Arabian desert. Their black goat-hair tents were a distinctive feature. Hazor, in this context, likely refers to a more settled or fortified location associated with these desert peoples, perhaps a trading post or a specific clan within the Kedarite sphere. Their significance lay in their perceived independence and remoteness, making them a surprising target for a prophecy of judgment, underscoring God's universal reach. They were often seen as beyond the direct control of major empires, yet here they are explicitly named as targets of Babylonian conquest, orchestrated by God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:28 directly concerns the historical judgment of Kedar and Hazor by Nebuchadrezzar, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological truths it reveals about God's universal sovereignty and ultimate judgment. Just as God used an earthly king to execute judgment upon seemingly untouchable nations, so too will He, through Christ, bring about the ultimate and final judgment of all nations and peoples ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The "men of the east" and their eventual plundering foreshadow the breaking of all earthly powers and the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, which will have no end ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")). Furthermore, the inclusion of these remote "men of the east" in God's prophetic scope hints at the universal scope of salvation, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, including those once alienated from God, will be brought into His fold through the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Thus, the judgment pronounced here ultimately points to Christ as the one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth, the ultimate King who will judge the living and the dead and establish a kingdom of righteousness and peace.

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

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,

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

Isaiah 11:14

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

Jeremiah 49:14

I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, [saying], Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.

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.

Jeremiah 2:10

For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

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: