Jeremiah 49:29

KJV

Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear [is] on every side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their tents {H168} and their flocks {H6629} shall they take away {H3947}: they shall take {H5375} to themselves their curtains {H3407}, and all their vessels {H3627}, and their camels {H1581}; and they shall cry {H7121} unto them, Fear {H4032} is on every side {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will seize their tents and their flocks, their tent curtains and all their equipment; their camels too they will take for themselves and shout at them, 'Terror in every direction!'

Berean Standard Bible

They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’

American Standard Version

Their tents and their flocks shall they take; they shall carry away for themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Terror on every side!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 49:29 vividly prophesies the swift and total desolation of the nomadic tribes of Kedar and Hazor. It depicts a scene of complete plunder, where their most vital possessions—tents, flocks, curtains, vessels, and camels—are seized, leaving them utterly destitute. The verse culminates in a powerful declaration of overwhelming and inescapable terror, underscoring the psychological impact of the divine judgment executed through the invading Babylonian forces.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 49:29 is situated within a broader prophetic section of the book of Jeremiah (chapters 46-51), which contains oracles against various foreign nations surrounding Judah. Specifically, this verse falls under the oracle against Kedar and Hazor, introduced in [Jeremiah 49:28](/jeremiah/49-28 "Jeremiah 49:28 - Prophecy Against Kedar and Hazor"). The preceding verses establish that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is the divinely appointed instrument for this judgment. The immediate literary flow moves from the divine command to Nebuchadnezzar to attack, to the detailed description of the plunder and terror that will ensue, emphasizing the thoroughness and severity of the impending destruction. This oracle serves as a stark warning and a demonstration of God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Kedar and Hazor were prominent nomadic Arab tribes inhabiting the desert regions to the east and south of Judah. Kedar, in particular, was known for its wealth in livestock, especially sheep and camels, and its tent-dwelling lifestyle, which reflected their transient existence. Their "curtains" (yᵉrîyʻâh) refer to the woven coverings of their tents, which were often valuable and integral to their mobile homes. "Vessels" (kᵉlîy) would include all their portable implements and possessions. The prophecy speaks to a time when the Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, was the dominant regional power, systematically conquering and subjugating surrounding territories as part of their imperial expansion. For a nomadic people, the loss of their tents, flocks, and camels meant the complete eradication of their economy, their means of survival, and their very identity, forcing them into utter destitution and displacement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Jeremiah's prophecies. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Nations**, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples, holding them accountable for their actions, often in response to pride, idolatry, or opposition to His purposes, as seen in [Jeremiah 49:1-27](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Oracles Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam"). Secondly, it underscores the **Fleeting Nature of Earthly Possessions and Security**. For Kedar and Hazor, their wealth and nomadic lifestyle were their security, yet these are utterly stripped away, illustrating the transient nature of material riches when faced with divine decree. Finally, the pervasive "fear on every side" emphasizes the theme of **Inescapable Terror and Desolation** that accompanies God's judgment, a concept that resonates deeply with Jeremiah's own personal suffering as "Magor-missabib" (terror on every side), as described in [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Lament and Persecution").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take away (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root signifies "to take" in a wide variety of applications, including to accept, bring, buy, carry away, seize, or receive. In this context, it denotes a forceful and complete appropriation, emphasizing the act of plunder and dispossession by the invaders. The repetition of "take" (lâqach and nâsâʼ) underscores the thoroughness of the confiscation.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _mâgôwr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fear," this noun refers to a fright or terror, whether objective (causing fear) or subjective (experiencing fear). Here, it captures the overwhelming and paralyzing dread that grips the inhabitants as their world is dismantled. It is a profound emotional and psychological state of utter helplessness.
* **every side (Hebrew, _çâbîyb'_):** This term, often used as an adverb, means "around," "circuit," or "on every side." When combined with "fear" (mâgôwr), it creates the powerful and well-known idiom "Magor-missabib," signifying a terror that is pervasive, inescapable, and coming from all directions, leaving no avenue for escape or relief.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their tents and their flocks shall they take away":** This opening clause immediately identifies the primary targets of the plunder: the very essence of nomadic wealth and existence. "Tents" (H168, 'ôhel) represent their homes and shelter, while "flocks" (H6629, tsôʼn) signify their livelihood, food source, and primary form of wealth. The verb "take away" (H3947, lâqach) indicates a forceful removal, setting the stage for complete dispossession.
* **"they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels;":** This clause expands on the extent of the plunder, detailing more specific and valuable possessions. "Curtains" (H3407, yᵉrîyʻâh) refer to the woven coverings of their tents, often intricately made and valuable. "Vessels" (H3627, kᵉlîy) encompass all their portable implements, tools, and utensils, essential for daily life. "Camels" (H1581, gâmâl) were crucial for transport, trade, and military strength in a desert environment, representing significant capital. The phrase "take to themselves" (H5375, nâsâʼ) reinforces the idea of appropriation and seizure by the invaders.
* **"and they shall cry unto them, Fear [is] on every side.":** This final clause shifts from the material plunder to its psychological and emotional impact. The "cry" (H7121, qârâʼ) suggests a desperate, perhaps pleading, outcry. The declaration "Fear [is] on every side" (H4032, mâgôwr H5439, çâbîyb) is a chilling summary of their inescapable predicament. It is not merely that they are afraid, but that terror itself has enveloped them from every direction, leaving no sanctuary or hope.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 49:29 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of desolation and terror. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Catalogue**, as the verse meticulously lists the items to be plundered: "tents," "flocks," "curtains," "vessels," and "camels." This detailed listing emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the confiscation, leaving nothing behind. There is also a strong sense of **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a nomadic camp being stripped bare, with the subsequent "cry" evoking the sound of their despair. The phrase "Fear [is] on every side" is a powerful **Idiom** (Magor-missabib), creating an atmosphere of pervasive and inescapable dread. This idiom also functions as a profound **Allusion** or **Intertextuality**, echoing Jeremiah's own personal lament in [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Personal Terror"), where he describes himself as "Magor-missabib" due to the constant threats he faced. By applying this same phrase to Kedar and Hazor, the prophet underscores the depth of their impending doom, mirroring his own profound suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 49:29 serves as a powerful testament to God's universal sovereignty and the consequences of rebellion or pride, even for nations seemingly outside the direct covenant with Israel. It illustrates that no people or power is beyond the reach of divine judgment. The complete stripping away of their material wealth highlights the transient nature of earthly security and possessions, reminding us that true and lasting security is found not in what we accumulate, but in our relationship with the unchanging God. The pervasive "fear on every side" underscores the terror that accompanies separation from God's favor and protection, contrasting sharply with the peace and security offered to those who trust in Him.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches vs. Righteousness") - "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch."
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
* [Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 49:29 offers a stark reminder of the impermanence of earthly security and the ultimate accountability of all nations and individuals before God. In a world where we often place our trust in financial stability, material possessions, or even national strength, this verse challenges us to re-evaluate where our true security lies. The swift and complete loss experienced by Kedar and Hazor serves as a powerful cautionary tale against relying on anything other than the unchanging character and promises of God. It compels us to consider whether our hearts are truly invested in eternal realities or fleeting temporal comforts. Furthermore, the pervasive "fear on every side" can resonate with modern anxieties, prompting us to seek the peace that transcends all understanding, a peace that is only found in God amidst life's uncertainties.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "tents," "flocks," and "camels" in your life—the things you rely on for security and identity?**
* **How does the "fear on every side" described in this verse compare to anxieties or fears you experience today?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to place your trust in temporary earthly possessions or systems rather than in God's eternal provision and sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from accumulating earthly treasures to investing in spiritual and eternal ones?**

### FAQ
**Who were Kedar and Hazor, and why were they singled out for judgment?**

Answer: Kedar and Hazor were nomadic Arab tribes located in the desert regions east and south of Judah, known for their wealth in livestock and their tent-dwelling lifestyle. While the specific reasons for their judgment are not detailed in this verse, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies against foreign nations (e.g., [Jeremiah 49:1-27](/jeremiah/49 "Jeremiah 49 - Oracles Against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam")) suggests that nations were judged for their pride, idolatry, violence, or opposition to God's purposes, often in relation to their treatment of Israel or their general wickedness. God's judgment here demonstrates His universal sovereignty over all peoples.

**What is the significance of the phrase "Fear [is] on every side"?**

Answer: The phrase "Fear [is] on every side" is a translation of the Hebrew idiom *Magor-missabib* (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב). It signifies a terror that is pervasive, inescapable, and comes from all directions, leaving no place of refuge or relief. This specific phrase is famously associated with the prophet Jeremiah himself, who laments being called "Magor-missabib" by his persecutors in [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's Personal Experience with Terror") due to the constant threats and opposition he faced. Its application to Kedar and Hazor underscores the depth and totality of the psychological impact of their impending doom, mirroring the prophet's own profound suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 49:29 describes a judgment of physical desolation and pervasive terror, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate security and peace found in Jesus, who delivers us from the ultimate "fear on every side"—the fear of death, judgment, and separation from God. The complete stripping away of earthly possessions for Kedar and Hazor foreshadows the truth that true and lasting security is not found in material wealth, which "moth and rust doth corrupt" ([Matthew 6:19](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), but in Christ, who offers an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment for sin, including the terror and desolation that humanity justly deserved, thereby providing a refuge from the spiritual "fear on every side" that plagues those outside of Him ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, believers are given "a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" ([2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control")), finding their true and eternal dwelling place not in temporary tents, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God established by Christ ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")).

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

Jeremiah 46:5

Wherefore have I seen them dismayed [and] turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: [for] fear [was] round about, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 6:25

Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy [and] fear [is] on every side.

Habakkuk 3:7

I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: [and] the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.

Psalms 120:5

¶ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

Genesis 37:25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

1 Chronicles 5:21

And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.