Jeremiah 49:28

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.

Jeremiah 49:28 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a series of judgments against the nations surrounding Israel. Jeremiah prophesied during the period of Babylonian expansion, when King Nebuchadrezzar (also spelled Nebuchadnezzar) was executing God’s purposes through military conquest. The oracle against Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor shows that God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel to all peoples.

Meaning

Kedar refers to a nomadic Arab tribe descended from Kedar, the second son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13). They lived in tents, engaged in trade, and were known as archers. The “kingdoms of Hazor” here denotes a region in northern Arabia, not the Hazor in Canaan. This Hazor was a significant political center with several petty kings under its authority.

The Lord’s command, “Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east,” is a directive to the Babylonian forces to execute judgment. The prophecy foretells that Nebuchadrezzar would smite these Arabian peoples, demonstrating that no nation, however remote or powerful, is beyond God’s reach.

Biblical connections

The immediate context continues in Jeremiah 49:29-30, describing the plundering of Kedar’s tents and flocks, and the inhabitants of Hazor being counseled to flee because Nebuchadrezzar has taken counsel against them. This reinforces the certainty of the coming judgment.

Application

This passage reminds readers that God holds all peoples accountable and that He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His will. For the Christian, it underscores the seriousness of God’s judgment and the importance of heeding His word. It also points to the broader biblical theme that God’s redemptive purposes unfold through history, ultimately culminating in Christ.

Reflection

God’s judgment on Kedar and Hazor invites reflection on His holiness and justice. It calls believers to trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when nations rise and fall, and to live in obedience to His revealed will.