King James Version

What Does Isaiah 21:17 Mean?

Isaiah 21:17 in the King James Version says “And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. archers: Heb. bows”

Isaiah 21:17 · KJV

Context

15

For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war. from the swords: or, for fear, etc: Heb. from the face, etc

16

For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:

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. archers: Heb. bows

Read Isaiah 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' The survivors ('residue') of Kedar's warriors will be few—'diminished' indicates small remnant remaining. Archers were Arabia's characteristic military strength—mobile, deadly, adapted to desert warfare. Their reduction demonstrates comprehensive military defeat. The concluding formula 'for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it' emphasizes divine authority and certainty—this isn't speculation but revealed decree. The title 'LORD God of Israel' reminds hearers this is Israel's covenant God pronouncing judgment on foreign nation, demonstrating His universal sovereignty. Though not in covenant with Kedar, God governs their fate, holding them accountable to His justice. This establishes that divine authority extends universally, not just to covenant community. All nations answer to God whether or not they acknowledge Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Arabian military power was indeed broken by Assyrian campaigns. The mobile archer forces that made desert tribes formidable were systematically defeated by superior Assyrian organization and siege capabilities. While Arabian tribes continued existing, their regional power was permanently reduced. They never again posed the threat they had before Assyrian dominance. This demonstrates that military might divorced from divine blessing ultimately fails. Modern applications include recognition that all earthly powers exist contingently—God grants and removes power according to His purposes. The certainty formula ('the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it') authenticated the prophecy's divine origin. Its fulfillment validated Isaiah's entire prophetic ministry—if this specific, verifiable prediction proved true, his other prophecies (including Messianic ones) merited trust.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Kedar's military reduction teach about earthly power's contingent nature?
  2. How does the certainty formula ('the LORD hath spoken it') authenticate prophetic authority?
  3. Why does fulfillment of specific verifiable prophecies validate a prophet's entire message?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּשְׁאָ֧ר1 of 12

“And the residue”

H7605

a remainder

מִסְפַּר2 of 12

“of the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

קֶ֛שֶׁת3 of 12

“of archers”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י4 of 12

“the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

בְנֵֽי5 of 12

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קֵדָ֖ר6 of 12

“of Kedar”

H6938

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

יִמְעָ֑טוּ7 of 12

“shall be diminished”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

כִּ֛י8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 12

“for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵֽי10 of 12

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

דִּבֵּֽר׃12 of 12

“hath spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 21:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 1:6Numbers 23:19Isaiah 1:20Matthew 24:35Psalms 107:39Jeremiah 44:29

Places in This Verse

KedarPeople Group · Modern: Dumat al Jandal · 29.81°N, 39.87°E9 verses across 5 books
View all places in Isaiah 21 →

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