Isaiah 21:16 kjv
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:
Isaiah 21:16 nkjv
For thus the LORD has said to me: "Within a year, according to the year of a hired man, all the glory of Kedar will fail;
Isaiah 21:16 niv
This is what the Lord says to me: "Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end.
Isaiah 21:16 esv
For thus the Lord said to me, "Within a year, according to the years of a hired worker, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end.
Isaiah 21:16 nlt
The Lord said to me, "Within a year, counting each day, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end.
Isaiah 21 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah 21:13-17 | Judgment on Arabia and Kedar | O.T. - Judgment Prophecy |
| Jeremiah 49:28-33 | Judgment on Kedar and kingdoms of the East | O.T. - Fulfillment |
| Ezekiel 27:21 | Dedan and Kedar traded with Tyre | O.T. - Commerce Context |
| Genesis 10:6-7 | Descendants of Ham, including Cush and possibly related peoples | O.T. - Genealogies |
| Genesis 16:12 | Ishmael's descendant (Hagar's son) from whom Arabs originated | O.T. - Ancestral Context |
| Psalm 120:5 | Dwelling among Kedar, associating them with nomadic tribes | O.T. - Poetic Context |
| Isaiah 60:7 | Sheep of Kedar would minister to Israel | O.T. - Messianic Future |
| Jeremiah 2:10 | Compare with destruction of nations for God's faithfulness | O.T. - Thematic Parallel |
| Lamentations 4:5 | Similar imagery of suffering and desolation | O.T. - Poetic Parallel |
| Song of Solomon 1:5 | Mention of tents of Kedar | O.T. - Cultural Context |
| Romans 11:22-24 | God's power to cut off and restore, parallel to judgment | N.T. - Theological Parallel |
| Galatians 3:29 | Abraham's seed, encompassing all believers | N.T. - Spiritual Heritage |
| 1 Peter 1:18-19 | Redemption not from corruptible things like silver or gold | N.T. - Value Comparison |
| Acts 7:2 | Abraham called from Mesopotamia | N.T. - Abrahamic Lineage |
| 2 Corinthians 10:4 | Weapons of spiritual warfare | N.T. - Warfare Parallel |
| Isaiah 42:11 | Valleys rejoice and inhabitants of desert exalt | O.T. - Broader Judgment |
| Isaiah 30:15 | Returning and resting bringing strength | O.T. - Divine Promise |
| Jeremiah 17:5-6 | Curse on those who trust in man, contrast with God's trust | O.T. - Faith Theme |
| Ezekiel 30:5 | Cush and other nations involved in destruction | O.T. - Parallel Judgments |
| Zechariah 9:13 | God raising up Judah and equipping Ephraim against Babylon | O.T. - Warfare/Salvation |
Isaiah 21 verses
Isaiah 21 16 Meaning
This verse signifies the impending doom and complete destruction of Kedar by an invading army, marking the end of their military prowess and glory. It underscores a divine judgment against them, resulting in utter desolation.
Isaiah 21 16 Context
Chapter 21 of Isaiah is a prophetic oracle dealing with a series of judgments against several nations. The immediate context for verse 16 is a collection of three oracles: one concerning Babylon's fall (v. 1-10), one concerning Dumah/Edom (v. 11-12), and the third one addressing the Arabs, specifically Kedar, and the nomadic peoples of the desert (v. 13-17). The verse's focus on Kedar as a "company of a troop of horsemen" points to their past might, which is now prophesied to be extinguished. Historically, Kedar was a prominent Ishmaelite tribe known for their pastoral lifestyle and raiding activities in the Arabian desert. The prophecy signifies a turning point for these nomadic tribes, anticipating a reduction in their strength and a transition in their dominion.
Isaiah 21 16 Word Analysis
At that time: Emphasizes a specific point in future fulfillment of prophecy.
declares: Denotes a divine pronouncement, a spoken decree from God.
the LORD: Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
of Israel: Designates the Lord's relationship with His people.
Even so: A strong affirmation, confirming the certainty of the coming event.
the end of the year: Can indicate a fixed time for judgment, a cyclical notion of reckoning, or a specific timeframe, like one year.
and then: Signals the subsequent arrival of the described event.
that great: Highlights the significant nature of the events to follow.
year: Reiteration of time, emphasizing its completeness.
that: Pronoun referring back to the previously mentioned year.
glory: Refers to the prosperity, fame, strength, and influence of Kedar.
of Kedar: Identifies the subject of the prophecy, an important Arabian tribe.
shall be diminished: Indicates a significant reduction or fading away of their power and prestige.
and the remnant: Denotes the surviving members of Kedar's populace.
of the number: Refers to the total count or extent of their people and forces.
of the archers: Specifies a key military attribute of Kedar – their skill in archery.
of the mighty men of Kedar: A collective term for their warriors and strong fighters.
shall be few: Signifies a drastic decrease in their population and military strength, resulting in extreme vulnerability.
saith: Confirms the divine origin of the prophecy, akin to "says" or "declares."
the LORD: Again, Yahweh, the authority behind the decree.
Group: "Kedar" and its "glory" and "remnant" of "mighty men" This group of terms describes the people of Kedar and the state of their glory and fighting force at the time of judgment. It contrasts their past strength with their future weakness.
Group: "diminished," "few," and "few" These words collectively express the magnitude of the loss and reduction in Kedar's power and population. The repetition emphasizes the totality of the destruction.
Group: "At that time," "end of the year," "that great year," "and then" These phrases establish a temporal framework for the prophecy, pointing to a future, specific, and decisive period of divine reckoning against Kedar.
Isaiah 21 16 Bonus Section
The prophecies against Arabia in Isaiah, including this one about Kedar, often have dual fulfillments. While directly speaking to historical events and impacts on tribal confederations in the ancient Near East, such pronouncements also find resonance in broader prophetic themes of God's ultimate dominion over all lands and peoples. The mention of archers connects Kedar to historical records of Arab warfare, where archery was a key skill. Some interpret "the end of the year" prophetically, suggesting a turning point in a grander divine calendar. The destruction of Kedar's strength can also be seen as a precursor to God’s overarching plan of redemption, where even the scattered and diminished can find restoration through Christ. The diminished state of Kedar sets the stage for the future inclusion of all peoples, as symbolized by the eventual access of "the sheep of Kedar" in Isaiah 60:7 to God's house, indicating a transformation and reintegration rather than complete obliteration.
Isaiah 21 16 Commentary
This verse delivers a sharp prophecy against Kedar, a prominent Arab tribe, foretelling a drastic decline in their power and population. Isaiah, speaking for the Lord, declares that a specific year will mark the end of Kedar's former glory and strength. Their reputation for being skilled archers and a mighty people will significantly dwindle, leaving only a small remnant. This judgment serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations, even those outside of Israel. The emphasis on "diminished" and "few" highlights the thoroughness of this divine act, bringing an end to their prominence. The prophecy isn't about eradication but about a significant reduction that renders them no longer a significant military or political force for a considerable period.