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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 21:17 The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few." For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/21-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/23_Isa_21_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 21:17 - A Prophecy Against Arabia" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few. For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/21-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/21-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/21-16.htm" title="Isaiah 21:16">◄</a> Isaiah 21:17 <a href="/isaiah/22-1.htm" title="Isaiah 22:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.&#8221 The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Only a few of its courageous archers will survive. I, the LORD, the God of Israel, have spoken!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the remainder of the archers of the mighty men of the sons of Kedar will be few, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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 <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of archers, the mighty men of the people of Kedar, will be diminished; for the LORD God of Israel has spoken <i>it.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of bowmen, the warriors of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for the LORD God of Israel has spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of bowmen, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for the LORD God of Israel has spoken.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of bowmen, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for the LORD God of Israel has spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of bowmen, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and the remainder of the number of archers, the mighty men of the sons of Kedar, will be few; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The remaining Kedarite archers will be few in number.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The remaining Kedarite archers will be few in number.&#8221 For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be few; for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath spoken it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Only a few of their warriors will be left with bows and arrows. This is a promise that I, the Lord God of Israel, have made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be few: for the LORD, the God of Israel, hath spoken it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The remaining number of archers, Kedar's mighty archers, will be few. The LORD God of Israel has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The archers are the bravest warriors of Kedar, but few of them will be left. I, the Lord God of Israel, have spoken."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />And there will be few archers, those who are descendants of Kedar, who survive, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The remaining archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” For the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Just a handful of archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be left." Indeed, the LORD God of Israel has spoken. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the residue of the number of the archers, the warriors of the people of Kedar, will be few; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has spoken it.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the remnant of the number of bow-men, "" The mighty of the sons of Kedar, are few, "" For YHWH, God of Israel, has spoken!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the remnant of the number of bow-men, The mighty of the sons of Kedar are few, For Jehovah, God of Israel, hath spoken!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the rest of the bows of the strong sons of Kedar shall be few: for Jehovah God of Israel spake.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the residue of the number of strong archers of the children of Cedar shall be diminished: for the Lord the God of Israel hath spoken it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the remainder of the multitude of strong archers from the sons of Kedar will be few, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Few of Kedar’s stalwart archers shall remain, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and the remaining bows of Kedar’s warriors will be few; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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 has spoken it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the remainder of the number of archers, the men of the sons of Qedar shall be diminished, because LORD JEHOVAH God of Israel has spoken <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished; for the LORD, the God of Israel, hath spoken it.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />and the remnant of the strong bows of the sons of Kedar shall be small: for the Lord God of Israel has spoken <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/21-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=4342" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/21.htm">A Prophecy Against Arabia</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>For this is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a hired worker would count it, all the glory of Kedar will be gone. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7605.htm" title="7605: ū·šə·’ār (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Rest, residue, remnant. From sha'ar; a remainder.">The remaining</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·par- (N-msc) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: qe·šeṯ (N-fs) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris.">archers,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·w·rê (Adj-mpc) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">the warriors</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6938.htm" title="6938: qê·ḏār (N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps swarthy, a son of Ishmael, also his desc. From qadar; dusky; Kedar, a son of Ishmael; also Bedouin.">of Kedar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4591.htm" title="4591: yim·‘ā·ṭū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to pare off, i.e. Lessen; intransitively, to be small or few.">will be few.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê- (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bêr (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">has spoken.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-3.htm">Judges 7:3</a></span><br />Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a></span><br />Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a></span><br />And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-31.htm">2 Kings 19:31-32</a></span><br />For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. / So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a></span><br />No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-6.htm">Psalm 44:6-7</a></span><br />For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10-11</a></span><br />He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. / The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/49-28.htm">Jeremiah 49:28-29</a></span><br />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! / They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/25-4.htm">Ezekiel 25:4</a></span><br />therefore I will indeed give you as a possession to the people of the East. They will set up their camps and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Amos 1:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/9-10.htm">Zechariah 9:10</a></span><br />And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the bow of war will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52-53</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-36.htm">Luke 22:36-38</a></span><br />“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. / For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.” / So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” He answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-36.htm">John 18:36</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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 has spoken it.</p><p class="hdg">archers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Isaiah 10:18,19</a></b></br> And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/17-4.htm">Isaiah 17:4,5</a></b></br> And in that day it shall come to pass, <i>that</i> the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/107-39.htm">Psalm 107:39</a></b></br> Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-20.htm">Isaiah 1:20</a></b></br> But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken <i>it</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a></b></br> God <i>is</i> not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do <i>it</i>? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/44-29.htm">Jeremiah 44:29</a></b></br> And this <i>shall be</i> a sign unto you, saith the LORD, that I will punish you in this place, that ye may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Bowmen</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-6.htm">Diminished</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-19.htm">Few</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-10.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-16.htm">Kedar</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-4.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-19.htm">Remainder</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-3.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Residue</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-4.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-6.htm">Small</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-30.htm">Survivors</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-15.htm">War</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-3.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/22-3.htm">Archers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-29.htm">Bowmen</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-4.htm">Children</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-6.htm">Diminished</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-6.htm">Few</a> <a href="/isaiah/24-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-11.htm">Kedar</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-17.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-17.htm">Remainder</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm">Remnant</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-5.htm">Residue</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-12.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-24.htm">Small</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-32.htm">Survivors</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-2.htm">War</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-7.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/21-1.htm">The prophet, bewailing the captivity of his people, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/21-6.htm">sees in a vision the fall of Babylon by the Medes and Persians.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/21-11.htm">Edom, scorning the prophet, is moved to repentance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/21-13.htm">The set time of Arabia's calamity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/isaiah/21.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>The remaining archers</b><br />This phrase indicates a remnant, suggesting that a significant number of archers have already been lost or will be lost. In the context of ancient warfare, archers were crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies. The Hebrew word for "archers" is "קֶשֶׁת" (qeshet), which can also mean "bow." This implies not just the individuals but the entire military capability associated with archery. The mention of "remaining" suggests a divine reduction, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His ability to diminish the strength of even the most formidable forces.<p><b>the warriors of Kedar</b><br />Kedar was a nomadic tribe descended from Ishmael, known for their skill in archery and their formidable presence in the Arabian desert. Historically, Kedarites were renowned for their military prowess and their ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions. The Hebrew root "קֵדָר" (Qedar) signifies "dark" or "mighty," reflecting both their physical environment and their reputation. This phrase highlights the specific target of God's judgment, showing that no nation, regardless of its strength or reputation, is beyond the reach of divine intervention.<p><b>will be few</b><br />This phrase underscores the outcome of divine judgment—reduction and diminishment. The Hebrew word "מְעַט" (me'at) means "few" or "little," indicating a significant decrease in number. This reduction serves as a tangible sign of God's power and the fulfillment of His word. It also serves as a warning to other nations that reliance on military might is futile against the will of God.<p><b>for the LORD, the God of Israel</b><br />This phrase establishes the authority and identity of the One who decrees this judgment. "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יהוה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. "The God of Israel" highlights the special relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. This phrase reassures the Israelites of God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations, reinforcing their trust in Him.<p><b>has spoken</b><br />The finality and authority of God's word are emphasized here. The Hebrew word "דִּבֶּר" (diber) means "to speak" or "to declare," indicating that what God has spoken will surely come to pass. This phrase serves as a reminder of the power and reliability of God's word. In the biblical context, when God speaks, His words are not merely informative but performative—they accomplish what they declare. This assurance of divine fulfillment provides comfort and confidence to believers, affirming that God's purposes will prevail.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">And the residue . . .</span>--The Hebrew word is the same as the characteristic "remnant" of Isaiah's earlier prophecies. The words point primarily to the subjugation of Arabia by Sargon and Sennacherib, who narrate their victories over the Arabian tribes (<span class= "ital">Records of the Past, vii.</span> 34). In <a href="/context/jeremiah/49-28.htm" title="Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus said the LORD; Arise you, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.">Jeremiah 49:28-29</a> we have an echo of the prediction, which, in that case, pointed to their conquest by Nebuchadnezzar.<p><span class= "bld"><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/21-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The remaining</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁאָ֧ר</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·’ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7605.htm">Strong's 7605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rest, residue, remnant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">archers,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶ֛שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(qe·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7198.htm">Strong's 7198: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bow, for, shooting, the iris</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the warriors</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(gib·bō·w·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powerful, warrior, tyrant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Kedar,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֵדָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(qê·ḏār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6938.htm">Strong's 6938: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kedar -- perhaps 'swarthy', a son of Ishmael, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will be few.”</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְעָ֑טוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yim·‘ā·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4591.htm">Strong's 4591: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pare off, lessen, in, to be, small, few</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has spoken.</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(dib·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/21-17.htm">Isaiah 21:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/21-17.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 21:17 And the residue of the number (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/21-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 21:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 21:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/22-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 22:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 22:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>