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Jeremiah 49:29

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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.

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}.

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!'

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!’

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

Jeremiah 49:29 describes the impending desolation and plunder of the nomadic tribes of Kedar and Hazor by the Babylonian invaders, highlighting the complete stripping away of their possessions and the overwhelming terror they would experience.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Jeremiah (chapters 46-51) containing prophecies against various foreign nations surrounding Judah. Specifically, Jeremiah 49:28 introduces God's judgment against Kedar and Hazor, Arab tribes known for their nomadic lifestyle and wealth in livestock and tents. The prophecy declares that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would be God's instrument to execute this judgment. The description in verse 29 vividly portrays the thoroughness of the Babylonian attack, where they would seize everything valuable from these tribes, from their shelter to their livelihood.

Key Themes

  • Total Plunder and Desolation: The listing of "tents," "flocks," "curtains," "vessels," and "camels" signifies a complete and utter stripping away of the tribes' wealth and means of survival. For a nomadic people, these items represented their entire economy, identity, and way of life. The prophecy indicates a devastating loss, leaving them destitute.
  • Overwhelming Terror: The chilling phrase, "Fear [is] on every side," underscores the psychological impact of the invasion. It paints a picture of panic and helplessness as the victims witness their world being dismantled. This terror is inescapable, coming from all directions.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: While Nebuchadnezzar's army is the agent, the preceding verses make it clear that this judgment originates from God. This highlights God's ultimate control over nations and their destinies, using even powerful empires as instruments of His justice against those who oppose His will or act in pride.

Linguistic Insight

The powerful phrase "Fear [is] on every side" is a translation of the Hebrew Magor-missabib (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב). This term is famously associated with the prophet Jeremiah himself, who laments being called "Magor-missabib" by his persecutors in Jeremiah 20:10 due to the constant threats and opposition he faced. Here, the very terror that Jeremiah personally endured is prophetically pronounced upon Kedar and Hazor, emphasizing the inescapable and pervasive nature of their impending doom, a poignant echo of the prophet's own suffering.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 49:29 offers several enduring lessons:

  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse serves as a stark reminder that nations, like individuals, are accountable to God. The judgment on Kedar and Hazor illustrates the severe consequences of pride, idolatry, or actions against God's purposes. It underscores the biblical principle that pride often precedes a fall.
  • God's Control Over History: Even seemingly random acts of conquest are often part of God's larger plan. God used Babylon as His instrument to bring about justice and fulfill prophecy. This can bring comfort in times of global instability, reminding us that God remains sovereign over world affairs and that His ultimate plans will prevail.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Material Wealth: The swift and complete loss of all possessions for Kedar and Hazor highlights the transient nature of earthly riches. True security and lasting peace are not found in material goods, but in a relationship with God, who is an unchanging refuge.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 46:5 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 120:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 37:25 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.