“The Lord has spoken. He is the God of Israel”.
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The
sentiment of the prophecy is simple - within a year the country of Arabia would
be overrun by a foreign enemy. All the glory of Kedar, (a confederation of tribes named for the second son of Ishmael), would
fade…and the remnant would be small: for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath spoken."
The prophecy opens with a declaration that the
caravans that were accustomed to passing peacefully through Arabia would be disrupted
by war. The caravans, accustomed to finding safe, hospitable entertainment would
be forced to seek lodging in the forests. The Arabians would be overrun by a
foreign enemy; they would be unable to show hospitality, or insure safety.
Barnes says the
historical context could be Sennacherib or Nebuchadnezzar. Both of them
over-ran and destroyed Arabia. But,
unlike most prophesy it would be swift and sure. Most of Isaiah speaks of
events that will transpire decades or centuries in the future. This one will be
fulfilled in a year.
No “but, if…” no “unless you…” no escape. But, these are
the sons of Ishmael. God loved them but knew they weren’t inclined to listen.
Things haven’t changed much. We should be careful that old feuds and
frustrations don’t prevent us from hearing a word from the Lord. Consequences could
be very swift indeed.
Live
boldly out there today…
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