Isaiah 21:17
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The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this chapter we have a prophecy of sad times coming, and heavy burdens, I. Upon Babylon, here called "the desert of the sea," that it should be destroyed by the Medes and Persians with a terrible destruction, which yet God's people should have advantage by (Isa 21:1-10). II. Upon Dumah, or Idumea (Isa 21:11, Isa 21:12). III. Upon Arabia, or Kedar, the desolation of which country was very near (Isa 21:13-17). These and other nations which the princes and people of Israel had so much to do with the prophets of Israel could not but have something to say to. Foreign affairs must be taken notice of as well as domestic ones, and news from abroad enquired after as well as news at home.
Open source ↗21:17 Only a few . . . will survive: Cp. 10:22; 14:30; 16:14; 24:6, 13; 37:32.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’”
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand.
When they are decreased and humbled by oppression, evil, and sorrow,