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.

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}.

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!

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!

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.

Jeremiah 49:28 is part of a comprehensive series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Jeremiah against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all peoples and kingdoms. This particular verse focuses on the impending judgment concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor.

Historical and Cultural Context

The passage introduces Kedar, a prominent nomadic Arab tribe descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), known for their extensive flocks and black goat-hair tents. They inhabited the Arabian desert, located to the east of Judah. Hazor refers to another group or settlement, likely allied with or associated with Kedar, perhaps representing a more fixed dwelling place for a portion of these "men of the east." These desert peoples were often involved in lucrative trade routes and possessed considerable wealth, which might have fostered a sense of security and independence from larger empires.

The instrument of God's judgment is explicitly named: Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon. This powerful historical figure was God's chosen tool to execute divine wrath not only upon Judah but also upon surrounding nations. His extensive military campaigns in the ancient Near East are well-documented, and this prophecy aligns with known historical events of Babylonian expansion and conquest in the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The primary message is God's absolute authority over all nations. He orchestrates world events, using powerful rulers like Nebuchadrezzar to fulfill His purposes. This underscores that no nation, however remote or seemingly secure, is beyond His reach or judgment.
  • Consequences of Pride and False Security: Kedar and Hazor, like many nations addressed in Jeremiah's prophecies, likely relied on their geographical isolation, nomadic lifestyle, or material wealth for security. The prophecy warns that such earthly securities are ultimately vain against the unstoppable will of the Almighty.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The explicit naming of Nebuchadrezzar and the detailed nature of the judgment (to "smite" and "spoil") highlight the certainty of God's prophetic word. What God declares will inevitably come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

  • Kedar (קֵדָר - Qedar): This Hebrew name literally means "dark" or "black," likely referring to the dark goat-hair tents these nomadic people lived in, or perhaps their complexion. They are often mentioned in prophetic literature, sometimes alongside negative connotations due to their lifestyle or opposition to Israel (e.g., Psalm 120:5).
  • Hazor (חָצוֹר - Chatsor): Means "enclosure" or "settlement," suggesting a more settled, perhaps fortified, location compared to the purely nomadic Kedarites.
  • "Smite" (נָכָה - nakah): Implies a decisive and forceful military defeat, signifying a complete subjugation through striking or beating.
  • "Spoil" (בָּזַז - bazaz): Refers to the plunder and looting of possessions, indicating a thorough and devastating conquest where wealth is seized.

Related Scriptures

This prophecy fits within Jeremiah's broader declarations against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51), demonstrating God's universal dominion. Nebuchadrezzar, identified as God's chosen instrument of judgment against nations like Egypt, Judah, and now Kedar, is also explicitly named as God's servant in Jeremiah 25:9. This prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their rulers, a theme also powerfully articulated in the book of Daniel and other prophetic books.

Practical Application

For a contemporary audience, Jeremiah 49:28 serves as a powerful reminder that God remains in control of all global affairs. No nation, no political power, and no individual leader operates outside of His ultimate plan. This verse encourages believers to place their trust not in earthly armies or economic strength, but in the Almighty God who directs the course of history. It also highlights the seriousness of divine judgment, reminding us that accountability extends to all, regardless of their perceived strength or influence.

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.

  • 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:

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