Jeremiah 49:29
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.
Original Language Analysis
אָהֳלֵיהֶ֤ם
Their tents
H168
אָהֳלֵיהֶ֤ם
Their tents
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
1 of 13
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וְצֹאנָם֙
and their flocks
H6629
וְצֹאנָם֙
and their flocks
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
2 of 13
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
יִקָּ֔חוּ
shall they take away
H3947
יִקָּ֔חוּ
shall they take away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
יְרִיעוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם
to themselves their curtains
H3407
יְרִיעוֹתֵיהֶ֧ם
to themselves their curtains
Strong's:
H3407
Word #:
4 of 13
a hanging (as tremulous)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵיהֶ֛ם
and all their vessels
H3627
כְּלֵיהֶ֛ם
and all their vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 13
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
יִשְׂא֣וּ
they shall take
H5375
יִשְׂא֣וּ
they shall take
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
8 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְקָרְא֧וּ
and they shall cry
H7121
וְקָרְא֧וּ
and they shall cry
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
10 of 13
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:25Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.Jeremiah 46:5Wherefore 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.Psalms 120:5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!Habakkuk 3:7I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.
Historical Context
Bedouin tribes relied on mobility and desert knowledge for security. Camels enabled rapid movement and long-distance trade. Babylonian military expeditions into Arabian deserts were logistically challenging but demonstrated empire's reach. The psychological impact ('fear on every side') was as important as physical conquest.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's judgments target the specific strengths and sources of pride in different cultures?
- What does the 'terror on every side' motif teach about the comprehensive nature of divine judgment?
- In what ways do modern people trust in mobility, flexibility, or independence as security—and how might God address such trust?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Their tents and their flocks shall they take away (אָהֳלֵיהֶם וְצֹאנָם יִקָּחוּ, aholeihem v'tsonam yiqqachu)—Nomadic wealth consisted of mobile assets: tents (housing), flocks (livestock economy). God specifies Kedar's particular vulnerabilities. They shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels—even fabric dividers, utensils, and transportation beasts will be seized. This comprehensive plundering leaves Kedar destitute.
And they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side (וְקָרְאוּ עֲלֵיהֶם מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב, v'qar'u aleihem magor missaviv)—Magor missaviv ('terror on every side') is Jeremiah's signature phrase (6:25, 20:3, 46:5), describing paralyzing dread from all directions. The invaders will shout this psychological warfare formula, intensifying panic. Kedar's mobility, usually an advantage, becomes flight without refuge. Their boasted independence—dwelling 'without walls or gates'—transforms from freedom to vulnerability.