13 The word about Arabia. In the thick woods of Arabia will be your night's resting-place, O travelling bands of Dedanites! 14 Give water to him who is in need of water; give bread, O men of the land of Tema, to those in flight. 15 For they are in flight from the sharp sword, and the bent bow, and from the trouble of war. 16 For so has the Lord said to me, In a year, by the years of a servant working for payment, all the glory of Kedar will come to an end: 17 And the rest of the bowmen, the men of war of the children of Kedar, will be small in number: for the Lord, the God of Israel, has said it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 21:13-17
Commentary on Isaiah 21:13-17
(Read Isaiah 21:13-17)
The Arabians lived in tents, and kept cattle. A destroying army shall be brought upon them, and make them an easy prey. We know not what straits we may be brought into before we die. Those may know the want of necessary food who now eat bread to the full. Neither the skill of archers, nor the courage of mighty men, can protect from the judgments of God. That is poor glory, which will thus quickly come to nothing. Thus hath the Lord said to me; and no word of his shall fall to the ground. We may be sure the Strength of Israel will not lie. Happy are those only whose riches and glory are out of the reach of invaders; all other prosperity will speedily pass away.