Breakdown of Jeremiah 49:28-30

"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! Their tents and their flocks shall be taken,…" — While it seems like a straightforward prophecy of conquest, notice how the Lord declares He has "struck down" Kedar before giving the command to attack. This isn't about Nebuchadnezzar's power, but…

Jeremiah 49:28-30 Meaning Explained

All verses

Jeremiah 49:28-30

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! Their tents and their flocks shall be taken, their curtains and all their goods; their camels shall be led away from them, and men shall cry to them: ‘Terror on every side!’ Flee, wander far away, dwell in the depths, O inhabitants of Hazor! declares the LORD. For Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has made a plan against you and formed a purpose against you.

English Standard Version (ESV)

While it seems like a straightforward prophecy of conquest, notice how the Lord declares He has "struck down" Kedar before giving the command to attack. This isn't about Nebuchadnezzar's power, but about God's sovereign decree already in motion, using the king of Babylon as His instrument.

What Jeremiah 49:28-30 means

This passage introduces a new prophecy within Jeremiah's broader oracle against nations. It specifically targets Kedar, a prominent Ishmaelite tribe known for its nomadic lifestyle in Arabia, and other related "kingdoms of Hazor" in the same region. The prophecy announces that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will conquer these peoples, who inhabited areas east of Judah, and describes a direct divine commission for his armies to advance and plunder them.

Prophetic Word for Nomadic Peoples

Jeremiah often spoke judgment against nations, but this prophecy targets groups known for their wandering lifestyle. What does this tell us about God's reach?

This prophecy addresses Kedar and the "kingdoms of Hazor."

Kedar:

Kedar was a son of Ishmael, and his descendants became a powerful nomadic tribe in Arabia.
They were known for their pastoral lifestyle, moving with their flocks and living in tents.
This imagery of tents and flocks is crucial – it was their entire livelihood and way of life.

Hazor:

Unlike the well-known city of Hazor in Canaan, this refers to a region or a collection of settlements in Arabia, possibly more settled than Kedar but still associated with the eastern peoples.
The scholars suggest "kingdoms" here might refer to various tribal confederations or clans, each with its own leader.

This prophecy shows that God's prophetic word wasn't limited to settled nations with grand cities. It extended to all peoples, even those who lived a seemingly remote, nomadic existence.

Divine Commission to a Pagan King

God declares judgment, but whom does He call to carry it out? It's not an angel or a prophet, but a fearsome earthly king.

The verse is striking because it presents a direct commission from the LORD to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon:

God's Command:

"Arise ye, go up to Kedar! Spoil the men of the east!"
This isn't just a prediction; it's an order given by God.

Nebuchadnezzar's Role:

Understand the original words

Original language

Terrorמָגוֹר

magor · Hebrew Noun

A state of extreme dread, panic, or overwhelming calamity. It is often used in prophetic literature to describe the reaction of those facing the righteous judgment of God.

planעֵצָה

'etsah · Hebrew Noun

An intention, counsel, or design formed in the mind. When applied to God, it refers to His sovereign decree; when applied to humans, it refers to their schemes, which are subject to God's ultimate oversight.

purposeמְזִמָּה

mezimmah · Hebrew Noun

A firm intention, resolution, or deliberate goal. It denotes the purposeful direction of one’s will toward a specific action or outcome.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the late 7th to early 6th century BC, before and during the Babylonian exile.
Author: Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," traditionally understood as the sole author of this prophetic book.
Location: Written from Judah, prophesying against various nations including those in Arabia.
Genre: Prophecy; characterized by oracles against nations, often using vivid imagery and pronouncements of judgment.

Historical background

This prophecy highlights that no people, not even nomadic tribes dwelling in remote deserts, were beyond the reach of Babylonian power and divine judgment.

c. 630-605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Early Campaigns
Nebuchadnezzar ascends to the throne of Babylon in 605 BC, following his father's successful campaigns in the Levant. His early reign is marked by military expansion and consolidation of power across the Near East.
c. 605 BC— this verse
Jeremiah Prophesies Against Arab Tribes
Jeremiah delivers prophecies concerning the Arab tribes of Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, foretelling their conquest by Nebuchadnezzar. These prophecies were likely delivered during the period of Babylonian ascendancy.
c. 605-580 BC
Babylonian Campaigns in Arabia
Nebuchadnezzar leads military expeditions into Arabia, targeting nomadic tribes like the Kedarenes and settling the region of Hazor. This campaign serves to secure Babylon's western and southern borders.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many Judeans to Babylon. This pivotal event underscores Babylon's dominance over the region.

Key themes

01Divine judgment on nations
02Military conquest foretold
03Destruction of eastern peoples
04Nebuchadnezzar's commission

Cross-references

Isaiah 21:13-17

This passage also prophesies against the Arabians (Kedar and its inhabitants), depicting their plunder and scattering by invading forces, mirroring the fate of Kedar described in Jeremiah.

Ezekiel 27:21

This verse specifically mentions Kedar as a trading partner of Tyre, highlighting their wealth in sheep and goats, which would have been a prime target for conquerors like Nebuchadnezzar.

Psalm 120:5-7

This Psalm uses the imagery of dwelling 'among the tents of Kedar' to represent a state of hardship and strife, reflecting the nomadic and often conflict-ridden lifestyle of the people described in Jeremiah's prophecy.

Genesis 25:13

This verse identifies Kedar as a son of Ishmael, providing the genealogical background for the people and territory mentioned in Jeremiah's prophecy.

Scholarly commentary

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."

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…
clarke

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."

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…
gill

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What does Jeremiah 49:28-30 mean?

Explain the meaning of Jeremiah 49:28-30

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What Jeremiah 49:28-30 means

Original language

Terrorמָגוֹר

magor · Hebrew Noun

A state of extreme dread, panic, or overwhelming calamity. It is often used in prophetic literature to describe the reaction of those facing the righteous judgment of God.

planעֵצָה

'etsah · Hebrew Noun

purposeמְזִמָּה

mezimmah · Hebrew Noun

A firm intention, resolution, or deliberate goal. It denotes the purposeful direction of one’s will toward a specific action or outcome.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the late 7th to early 6th century BC, before and during the Babylonian exile.
Author: Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," traditionally understood as the sole author of this prophetic book.
Location: Written from Judah, prophesying against various nations including those in Arabia.
Genre: Prophecy; characterized by oracles against nations, often using vivid imagery and pronouncements of judgment.

Historical background

This prophecy highlights that no people, not even nomadic tribes dwelling in remote deserts, were beyond the reach of Babylonian power and divine judgment.

c. 630-605 BC

Nebuchadnezzar's Early Campaigns

Nebuchadnezzar ascends to the throne of Babylon in 605 BC, following his father's successful campaigns in the Levant. His early reign is marked by military expansion and consolidation of power across the Near East.

c. 605 BC— this verse

Jeremiah Prophesies Against Arab Tribes

Jeremiah delivers prophecies concerning the Arab tribes of Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, foretelling their conquest by Nebuchadnezzar. These prophecies were likely delivered during the period of Babylonian ascendancy.

c. 605-580 BC

Babylonian Campaigns in Arabia

Nebuchadnezzar leads military expeditions into Arabia, targeting nomadic tribes like the Kedarenes and settling the region of Hazor. This campaign serves to secure Babylon's western and southern borders.

586 BC

Fall of Jerusalem

Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many Judeans to Babylon. This pivotal event underscores Babylon's dominance over the region.

Scholarly commentary

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."

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…
clarke

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."

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…
gill

Frequently asked questions

What does Jeremiah 49:28-30 mean?

Explain the meaning of Jeremiah 49:28-30

What is the context of Jeremiah 49:28-30?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "Terror" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," traditionally understood as the sole author of this prophetic book. write Jeremiah 49:28-30?”
“How does divine judgment on nations show up in Jeremiah 49:28-30?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Jeremiah 49:28-30 is available in the Sola app.

What Jeremiah 49:28-30 means

Prophetic Word for Nomadic Peoples

Divine Commission to a Pagan King

Original language

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

What Jeremiah 49:28-30 means

Prophetic Word for Nomadic Peoples

Divine Commission to a Pagan King

Original language

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

The Nature of the Conquest