And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that even among a renowned group of warriors like the archers of Kedar, who were known for their skill with the bow, their numbers will be drastically reduced. The prophecy emphasizes not just a defeat, but a significant dwindling of their military strength, underscoring that God's pronouncements, even concerning seemingly formidable peoples, are absolute.
And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This prophecy is part of a larger oracle concerning Arabia, which is described as being invaded and overthrown by a foreign enemy within a year. The preceding verses speak of caravans fleeing into the wilderness and the inhabitants of Tema bringing water to the thirsty fugitives, all because of the threat of war. This verse concludes the oracle by specifically detailing the fate of the mighty archers from Kedar, a significant Arab tribe.
Kedar's archers were legendary, their skill with the bow a source of pride and power. Yet, this verse foretells their decline.
The people of Kedar, known for their prowess with the bow, are here depicted as powerful warriors. The bow was a primary weapon for them, a skill inherited from their ancestor Ishmael.
A Fearsome Reputation
Isaiah highlights their military strength: "the mighty men of the sons of Kedar." This wasn't just a passing mention; it acknowledged a real, formidable force. Their skill in archery was renowned, a key aspect of their identity and their ability to survive and thrive in their environment.
The Certainty of Decline
Despite their might, the verse states their numbers "shall be diminished." This wasn't a prediction of a temporary setback, but a significant reduction. It speaks to a divine decree that would curtail their influence and power, a consequence of God's judgment or strategic intervention.
Why will Kedar's mighty archers be diminished? The answer is simple, yet profound, and carries immense weight.
The ultimate reason for the fate of the Kedarenes, as stated in the verse, is not political maneuvering or military defeat alone, but the sovereign declaration of God.
The Divine Pronouncement
The phrase "for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken” is crucial. It’s not just a casual observation; it's a divine affirmation. What God declares, He will bring to pass. This underscores the absolute authority and power of the Lord over all nations and peoples, including those as formidable as the archers of Kedar.
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A Foundation of Certainty
For the people of Israel, this declaration would have been a source of both warning and assurance. It confirmed that God was actively involved in the world, orchestrating events according to His will. It also served as a reminder that their own God, the God of Israel, held sway over their enemies and over all the earth.
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
Those who belong to a specific military class or tribe. The phrase 'sons of' is a Hebrew idiom denoting membership in a particular group, tribe, or characteristic nature.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel. It highlights His self-existence, His eternal nature, and His faithfulness to the promises made to His people.
Elohim Yisra'el · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title expressing God's unique, elected relationship with His covenant people. It acknowledges His authority over Israel and His position as the true God in contrast to the gods of the nations.
dabar · Hebrew Verb
The act of God declaring His will or judgment, signifying that His word is certain, authoritative, and possesses the power to bring reality to pass. What God speaks in judgment or promise is guaranteed to occur.
This prophecy against the mighty archers of Kedar points to a historical context of declining Arab tribal power, particularly under the shadow of larger empires like Assyria, Babylon, and eventually Persia, which significantly diminished their military strength and independence.
c. 730 BC - 700 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in Arabia
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under rulers like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sargon II, conducted military campaigns that extended into northern Arabia, impacting tribes like Kedar.
c. 701 BC
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib campaigned against various kingdoms in the region, including threats to Egypt through Arabia, potentially affecting Kedarite tribes.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Early Campaigns
Following the fall of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II began its expansion, including campaigns that subdued parts of Arabia.
c. 550 BC - 539 BC
Rise of the Persian Empire
The Medo-Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, leading to significant geopolitical shifts in the Near East, impacting Arabian tribes.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Persian Subjugation of Arabian Tribes
The expanding Persian Empire brought many Arabian tribes, including those related to Kedar, under its dominion, diminishing their independence.
This passage echoes Isaiah's prophecy, also predicting the downfall of Kedar and its archers, but specifically points to Nebuchadnezzar as the instrument of judgment.
Genesis 21:20This verse establishes the Ishmaelites (ancestors of Kedar) as skilled archers, providing the foundational context for why Kedar's archers are specifically mentioned as a significant military force in Isaiah's prophecy.
Isaiah 13:15-17Similar to the prophecy against Kedar, this passage describes a devastating military campaign where the mighty men are cut down and their riches plundered, emphasizing the thoroughness of God's judgment on proud nations.
Ezekiel 30:15-16This passage also speaks of the diminishing of military strength and the scattering of people, specifically mentioning Egypt and its archers, highlighting a recurring theme of God's judgment on powerful nations and their military might.
barnesIsaiah 21:17: "And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it."
And the residue of the number - That is, those who shall be left in the invasion. Or perhaps it may be read, 'There shall be a renmant of the number of bowmen; the mighty people of Kedar shall be diminished.' Of archers - Hebrew, 'Of the bow;' that is, of those who use bows in war. The bow was the common instrument in hunting and in w…
cambridgeIsaiah 21:17: "And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it."
17 . the number of archers ] Lit. “of the bows.” The bow was the chief weapon of the Northern Arabs, as of their progenitor Ishmael, Genesis 21:20 .
This verse highlights that even among a renowned group of warriors like the archers of Kedar, who were known for their skill with the bow, their numbers will be drastically reduced. The prophecy emphasizes not just a defeat, but a significant dwindling of their military strength, underscoring that God's pronouncements, even concerning seemingly formidable peoples, are absolute.
This prophecy is part of a larger oracle concerning Arabia, which is described as being invaded and overthrown by a foreign enemy within a year. The preceding verses speak of caravans fleeing into the wilderness and the inhabitants of Tema bringing water to the thirsty fugitives, all because of the threat of war. This verse concludes the oracle by specifically detailing the fate of the mighty archers from Kedar, a significant Arab tribe.
This prophecy is part of a larger oracle concerning Arabia, which is described as being invaded and overthrown by a foreign enemy within a year. The preceding verses speak of caravans fleeing into the wilderness and the inhabitants of Tema bringing water to the thirsty fugitives, all because of the threat of war. This verse concludes the oracle by specifically detailing the fate of the mighty archers from Kedar, a significant Arab tribe.
"And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.”" — This verse highlights that even among a renowned group of warriors like the archers of Kedar, who were known for their skill with the bow, their numbers will be drastically reduced. The prophecy emph…
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Last reviewed October 2026