Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The burden against Arabia"
Text: Isaiah 21:13
ANOTHER NATION THAT WAS ADMONISHED
Arabia in the ancient days were known by the traveling merchants that travelled widely. The Dedanites were well-known Arabians. They were mentioned to represent Arabia.
“The burden against Arabia.
In the forest in Arabia you will lodge,
O you traveling companies of Dedanites.
O inhabitants of the land of Tema,
Bring water to him who is thirsty;
With their bread they met him who fled.
For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword,
From the bent bow, and from the distress of war.
For thus the LORD has said to me: ‘Within a year, according to the year of a hired man, all the glory of Kedar will fail;
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 it.'”
Isaiah 21:13-17
1. There was a message (a burden) given concerning “Arabia”.
2. The Dedanites
a) They were well-known Arabians who traded extensively.
b) They travelled extensively.
c) They will find lodging wherever that may be found, even if they are “in the forest”.
3. The Tema tribe
a) They came from the line of Ishmael.
b) They were also well-travelled merchants.
4. Because of the long wars of the Assyrians and Babylonians:
a) Many fled for their lives.
i) Some fled into forests.
ii) All were hungry and thirsty.
b) Would the Arabian merchants help these refugees?
i) Would they care enough to offer help?
ii) Would they risk their lives by offering help?
5. The line of Ishmael
a) Kedar was the second son of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13).
b) Tema was also one of the sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:15).
c) The sons of Ishmael were famous princes (Genesis 25:16).
i) They had famous archers and were involved in many battles.
ii) They were called “Arabia” or “Arabians” in ancient times.
d) But all who were engaged in warfare must be prepared for the consequences.
i) They may lose the war.
ii) They may be killed.
iii) Their kingdom can come to an ignoble end.
e) This was the “burden” that Isaiah proclaimed against Arabia.
f) Within a short year, these warriors and merchants would be no more!
i) The imagery of a hired helper was applied.
ii) The helper is engaged in service for a year.
iii) Kedar may be “hired” to serve as mercenaries for a year.
iv) Many of the hired archers would be killed.