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.

ISAIAH 21:17KJV
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Isaiah 21:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 21:17 mean?

Isaiah 21:17 predicts that the remaining warriors and archers from the people of Kedar will be greatly reduced, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has declared it. This verse is a warning of coming defeat and loss for Kedar, emphasizing that this outcome is certain because it is spoken by God.

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to announce God’s judgment against Kedar, a nomadic Arab tribe known for their skilled archers and warriors. The verse comes at the end of a prophecy against Arabia, making it clear that even the strongest and most capable among Kedar will not escape the consequences. The focus is on the certainty and authority of God’s word in bringing about this decline.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 21:17

  • "residue" (שְׁאָר, she'ar): This word refers to what is left over or remaining. In this context, it highlights that not just many, but even the survivors among Kedar’s warriors will be few.
  • "archers" (קֶשֶׁת, qeshet): This word literally means "bow," but here it refers to those who use bows—archers. Kedar was known for its archers, so the mention underscores the loss of their main strength.
  • "diminished" (מָעַט, ma'at): This word means to become small or few. The verse stresses that the reduction will be significant, not just a minor setback.
  • "spoken" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means to speak or declare. Its use here underlines that the prophecy is not just a prediction, but a decree from God, making the outcome certain.

Why Isaiah 21:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that even the most skilled and powerful groups, like the archers of Kedar, are not immune to God’s judgment when He has spoken.
  • Isaiah 21:17 ties the fate of Kedar directly to the authority of the LORD, showing that the decline is not due to chance or military weakness, but because God has declared it.
  • This verse wraps up a section of warnings to neighboring nations, highlighting that God’s sovereignty extends beyond Israel to all peoples, including those who might seem distant or strong.