The burden upon Arabia. In the forest in Arabia shall ye lodge, O ye travelling companies of Dedanim.

ISAIAH 21:13KJV
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Isaiah 21:13 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 21:13 mean?

Isaiah 21:13 announces a message of warning or judgment directed at Arabia, describing how traveling groups from Dedan will have to spend the night in the forests of Arabia. The verse sets the scene for hardship and unrest for these travelers, suggesting a time of trouble in the region.

Isaiah, speaking as a prophet, addresses people living in or passing through Arabia. The mention of "travelling companies of Dedanim" refers to merchant caravans from Dedan, a trading people. The "forest in Arabia" likely points to a remote or wild area where these travelers must seek shelter, hinting at danger or disruption in their usual routes.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 21:13

  • "burden" (מַשָּׂא, massa): This word often means a prophetic message, especially one of warning or judgment. Here, it signals that what follows is a serious announcement about Arabia.
  • "Arabia" (עֲרָבָה, aravah): This term refers to the region inhabited by nomadic tribes, not just the modern nation. It situates the prophecy in a specific geographical and cultural context.
  • "forest" (יַעַר, ya'ar): Arabia is mostly desert, so "forest" here may refer to a thicket or wooded area, emphasizing the unusual or harsh conditions the travelers face.
  • "lodge" (לִין, lin): This word means to spend the night or take shelter, highlighting that the travelers are forced to stay in an unexpected or uncomfortable place.
  • "companies" (אֹרְחוֹת, orkhoth): This refers to groups or caravans, often of traders or nomads, showing that the prophecy concerns people on the move.
  • "Dedanim" (דְּדָנִים, Dedanim): These are people from Dedan, known for their trading caravans, which helps identify the affected group as merchants or travelers.

Why Isaiah 21:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the prophecy is not just for settled cities but also for nomadic and trading groups, showing the wide reach of the coming hardship.
  • By mentioning the "forest in Arabia," Isaiah highlights the disruption of normal life and trade, signaling that even those used to travel and survival in harsh conditions will face unusual difficulties.
  • This verse connects to the surrounding passage, where Isaiah delivers messages to various nations, emphasizing that no region is beyond the reach of the events God is announcing through the prophet.

Where else these words appear

“companies” Hebrew H736 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

“Arabia” Hebrew H6152 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 9:14 Beside that which chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.
  • Jeremiah 25:24 And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,
  • Ezekiel 27:21 Arabia, and all the princes of Kedar, they occupied with thee in lambs, and rams, and goats: in these were they thy merchants.

“forest” Hebrew H3293 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slippeth from the helve, and lighteth upon his neighbour, that he die; he shall flee unto one of those cities, and live:
  • Psalms 83:14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
  • Isaiah 56:9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.