Isaiah 21:16
For thus hath the Lord sayd vnto me: Within a yeere, according to the yeeres of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall faile. Isaiah 21:16 (KJV)
Isaiah 21:16 is part of a larger prophecy that runs through the earlier verses of chapter 21 and continues to verse 17. This section contains a series of oracles against various nations, and verse 16 focuses specifically on Kedar.
Kedar was a prominent Arabian tribe descended from Ishmael, the son of Abraham. Historical sources describe the Kedarites as skilled archers who were active in trade and commerce, giving them a reputation for both martial ability and economic influence.
The verse itself reads, “Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail.” The opening phrase, “Within a year,” signals a short, imminent time frame. The expression “according to the years of an hireling” reinforces the idea that the period will pass quickly, much as a hired worker’s term of service is brief.
The second part of the prophecy declares the downfall of Kedar’s glory. In biblical language, “glory” denotes the wealth, power, and prestige of a nation. To say that the glory “shall fail” or be “no more” predicts a swift diminution of those attributes. The text does not specify the exact historical events that fulfilled this judgment, but scholars generally view it as reflecting the shifting power dynamics of the region, where Kedar’s influence waned amid larger geopolitical changes.
Isaiah’s oracles often combine judgment with a warning and a glimpse of hope. While this verse emphasizes divine judgment against Kedar, the broader context of Isaiah underscores God’s sovereignty over all nations, His righteous judgment, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.
Thus, Isaiah 21:16 serves as a reminder of God’s authority over the fortunes of peoples and nations. It illustrates the prophetic role of Isaiah in faithfully conveying God’s message, and it encourages readers to trust that God’s purposes will be accomplished, even when nations rise and fall.
