Jeremiah 49:28
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The prophecy against Kedar isn't just about a military conquest; it reveals that even seemingly untouchable desert dwellers, whose lives revolved around mobile tents and flocks, would be vulnerable to a divine judgment. This highlights God's reach extending even to the most remote peoples and the insecurity of even nomadic wealth when God's wrath is stirred.
Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck down. Thus says the LORD: “Rise up, advance against Kedar! Destroy the people of the east!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah announces a prophecy against the desert tribes of Kedar and the related kingdoms of Hazor, identifying them as victims of Nebuchadnezzar's military might. This section of judgment on nations follows prophecies concerning Edom and Damascus, continuing the theme of Babylon's widespread conquest as God's instrument of judgment. The oracle shifts perspective, issuing a divine command to an unnamed force to attack and plunder these eastern peoples, highlighting their nomadic lifestyle and material possessions.
We often think of Old Testament prophecies as being strictly about Israel and its immediate neighbors. But God's message in Jeremiah reaches far beyond the borders of Judah.
This prophecy against Kedar and Hazor highlights that God's judgment and prophetic word extend to all nations. Kedar, descended from Ishmael, represents nomadic Arab tribes known for their wandering and predatory lifestyle.
Who were Kedar and Hazor?
These groups, collectively called 'the men of the east,' were significant players in the region, sometimes interacting with Judah through trade, and other times posing a threat through raids.
The language here is stark and direct: 'Arise ye, go up to Kedar; spoil the men of the east!' What does this divine command reveal about God's justice?
This passage shows God using human empires as instruments of His judgment. Nebuchadnezzar, the powerful king of Babylon, is given a divine commission against these Arab tribes.
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God's Judgment in Action
This prophecy against Kedar and Hazor highlights Nebuchadnezzar's vast military reach, extending even into the nomadic Arab territories east of Judah. It demonstrates how the geopolitical struggles of major empires like Babylon directly impacted even the most remote peoples.
c. 632 BC
Nebuchadnezzar becomes king
Nebuchadnezzar II ascends to the throne of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, beginning a period of significant military expansion and consolidation.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar decisively defeats the Egyptian and Assyrian forces, establishing Babylonian dominance over the Near East.
c. 590s BC— this verse
Babylonian campaigns in Arabia
During his reign, Nebuchadnezzar conducted military campaigns against various Arab tribes, including those in the regions of Kedar and Hazor, as described in this prophecy.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling much of the Jewish population to Babylon.
562 BC
Death of Nebuchadnezzar
The death of Nebuchadnezzar marks the beginning of a period of instability for the Babylonian Empire, though his military achievements and conquests, including those mentioned in Jeremiah, had already reshaped the region.
This passage names Kedar as a son of Ishmael, establishing his lineage and connection to the Arab peoples who would later be associated with this prophecy.
Psalm 120:5This psalm uses 'the tents of Kedar' metaphorically for dwelling among nomadic, potentially hostile people, echoing the description of Kedar's inhabitants in Jeremiah.
Isaiah 21:13-17This parallel prophecy also addresses the Arabians (including Dedan and Kedar) and foretells their subjugation by powerful empires, mirroring the judgment declared in Jeremiah 49.
Ezekiel 27:21This passage highlights Kedar's trade in sheep and goats with Tyre, providing context for the 'spoil' mentioned in Jeremiah, which would include the valuable livestock of these eastern peoples.
Jeremiah 49:1-6The preceding verses in the same chapter address the Ammonites, showing a pattern of prophetic judgment against surrounding nations, with Kedar being the next focus in this series of oracles.
clarkeJeremiah 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."
Concerning Kedar, and Concerning the Kingdoms of Hazor - This is the title of another new prophecy. Kedar was the name of one of the sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13) who settled in Arabia, and who gave name to a powerful tribe of Arabs who used to traffic with the Tyrians in cattle. It appears fro…
gillJeremiah 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."
Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor,.... A new prophecy concerning the Arabians; for Kedar was a son of Ishmael, Genesis 25:13 ; whose posterity inhabited Arabia Petraea. Hazor was Petra itself, the metropolis of the country, whose king had several petty kings and kingdoms unde…
The prophecy against Kedar isn't just about a military conquest; it reveals that even seemingly untouchable desert dwellers, whose lives revolved around mobile tents and flocks, would be vulnerable to a divine judgment. This highlights God's reach extending even to the most remote peoples and the insecurity of even nomadic wealth when God's wrath is stirred.
Jeremiah announces a prophecy against the desert tribes of Kedar and the related kingdoms of Hazor, identifying them as victims of Nebuchadnezzar's military might. This section of judgment on nations follows prophecies concerning Edom and Damascus, continuing the theme of Babylon's widespread conquest as God's instrument of judgment. The oracle shifts perspective, issuing a divine command to an unnamed force to attack and plunder these eastern peoples, highlighting their nomadic lifestyle and material possessions.
Jeremiah announces a prophecy against the desert tribes of Kedar and the related kingdoms of Hazor, identifying them as victims of Nebuchadnezzar's military might. This section of judgment on nations follows prophecies concerning Edom and Damascus, continuing the theme of Babylon's widespread conquest as God's instrument of judgment. The oracle shifts perspective, issuing a divine command to an unnamed force to attack and plunder these eastern peoples, highlighting their nomadic lifestyle and material possessions.
"Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon struck down.
Thus says the LORD:
“Rise up, advance against Kedar!
Destroy the people of the east!" — The prophecy against Kedar isn't just about a military conquest; it reveals that even seemingly untouchable desert dwellers, whose lives revolved around mobile tents and flocks, would be vulnerable t…
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Last reviewed October 2026