Jeremiah 49:28
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Jeremiah 49:28
28 Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 49 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, discipleship, truth. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 49:28
28 Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.
Analysis
Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor (לְקֵדָר וּלְמַמְלְכוֹת חָצוֹר, l'Qedar ul'mamlkhot Chatzor)—Jeremiah shifts to Arabian kingdoms. Kedar, descended from Ishmael (Genesis 25:13), represented Bedouin tribes renowned for black tents, flocks, and archery (Isaiah 21:16-17). Hazor here isn't the Canaanite city but refers to unwalled settlements (chatserim) of semi-nomadic Arabs. Which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite—God names His instrument before the blow falls.
Thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east (קוּמוּ עֲלוּ אֶל־קֵדָר וְשָׁדְדוּ אֶת־בְּנֵי־קֶדֶם, qumu alu el-Qedar v'shaddu et-b'nei-Qedem)—Divine imperatives dispatch Babylon to plunder Arabia. 'Men of the east' (b'nei-Qedem) were proverbial for wealth and wisdom (Job 1:3). Yet God decrees their 'spoiling' (shadad), the same violent despoiling Israel experienced. No people group—settled urbanites or desert nomads—escapes divine jurisdiction.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar campaigned in Arabia circa 599-598 BC, attacking caravan tribes. This disrupted trade routes and demonstrated Babylon's reach into previously untouched desert regions. Kedarite inscriptions from this period reference conflicts with foreign powers, likely including Babylon.
Reflection
- Why does God judge even nomadic Arabian tribes who weren't involved in Israel's affairs?
- What does Nebuchadnezzar's naming as God's agent reveal about divine sovereignty over pagan kings?
- How does this oracle challenge the notion that geographic isolation provides safety from God's justice?
Word Studies
- Kingdom: מַלְכוּת (Malkhut) H4467 - Kingdom, reign, royal power
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Jeremiah 49:14
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 2:10, Genesis 25:13, Judges 6:3, Isaiah 11:14, Ezekiel 27:21