Jeremiah 49:28

Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: "Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east!

Study Bible

Concerning Kedar
The phrase "Concerning Kedar" introduces a prophecy directed towards the nomadic tribes of Kedar, descendants of Ishmael, as mentioned in Genesis 25:13. Kedar was known for its skilled archers and was a significant tribe in the Arabian desert. The Hebrew root for Kedar is "קֵדָר" (Qedar), which means "dark" or "mighty," reflecting both the physical characteristics of the people and their formidable presence in the region. Historically, Kedar was involved in trade and warfare, often interacting with surrounding nations, including Israel. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel, and His concern for justice and righteousness across the earth.

and the kingdoms of Hazor
The "kingdoms of Hazor" refers to a group of settlements or regions associated with Hazor, a significant city in northern Canaan. The Hebrew word "חָצוֹר" (Hatzor) means "enclosure" or "fortress," indicating a place of strength and defense. Hazor was a powerful city-state during the time of Joshua, as noted in Joshua 11:10. The mention of Hazor alongside Kedar suggests a coalition or alliance of tribes and regions that were influential in the ancient Near East. This prophecy serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His ability to bring judgment upon those who oppose His will.

which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon
"Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon" is a historical figure well-documented in both biblical and extra-biblical sources. Nebuchadnezzar II reigned from 605 to 562 BC and was known for his military conquests and the expansion of the Babylonian Empire. The Hebrew name "נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר" (Nebuchadnezzar) means "Nabu, protect my boundary," with Nabu being a Babylonian deity. His campaigns against various nations, including Judah, are recorded in the Bible, emphasizing his role as an instrument of God's judgment. This reference underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, where God uses even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.

will strike down
The phrase "will strike down" conveys a decisive act of judgment and destruction. The Hebrew verb "נָכָה" (nakah) means "to smite" or "to strike," often used in the context of divine retribution. This action is not arbitrary but is a response to the sins and injustices of the nations. In the broader biblical narrative, God's judgments are always just and serve as a call to repentance and a return to righteousness. The prophecy against Kedar and Hazor serves as a warning to all nations that God holds them accountable for their actions and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

This is what the LORD says
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" introduces a divine oracle, affirming the authority and authenticity of the message. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This declaration assures the audience that the prophecy is not merely the words of Jeremiah but a direct communication from God Himself. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. The prophetic message calls for trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when His ways are beyond human understanding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Kedar
A nomadic tribe descended from Ishmael, known for their tents and flocks. They were skilled in archery and lived in the Arabian desert.

2. Hazor
A region or group of settlements associated with Kedar, possibly located in the Arabian desert. Not to be confused with the Canaanite city of Hazor in northern Israel.

3. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the Babylonian exile of the Jews. He was a powerful ruler used by God to execute judgment on various nations.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to pronounce judgment on Kedar and Hazor.

5. The People of the East
A term often used to describe various nomadic tribes living east of Israel, including Kedar and Hazor.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The passage demonstrates God's control over all nations, using even powerful rulers like Nebuchadnezzar to fulfill His purposes.

Judgment and Justice
God's judgment on Kedar and Hazor serves as a reminder of His justice. No nation is beyond His reach or exempt from His righteous standards.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecies like this one in Jeremiah serve to warn and call nations to repentance, showing God's desire for righteousness.

Trust in God's Plan
Believers can trust that God is working out His plan, even when it involves difficult or challenging circumstances.

The Importance of Obedience
The call to "arise, go up to Kedar" emphasizes the need for obedience to God's commands, even when they involve confronting difficult situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the judgment against Kedar and Hazor reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Kedar and Hazor demonstrate God's justice, and how should this influence our understanding of His character?

3. How can the role of Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of God's judgment inform our perspective on how God uses leaders and nations today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience required in the command to "arise, go up to Kedar," and how can we apply this to our own lives?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Isaiah 21 and Genesis 25, enhance our understanding of the historical and spiritual context of Jeremiah 49:28?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 21:13-17
This passage also speaks of judgment against Arabia, including Kedar, highlighting the theme of divine retribution against nations.

Genesis 25:13-16
Lists the descendants of Ishmael, including Kedar, providing background on their origins and significance.

Psalm 120:5
Mentions Kedar in a context of distress, reflecting the tension between Israel and its neighbors.

Jeremiah 25:23-24
Lists Kedar among the nations to be judged, reinforcing the prophetic theme of God's sovereignty over all nations.