13 A Message concerning Arabia: You'll have to camp out in the desert badlands, you caravans of Dedanites. 14 Haul water to the thirsty, greet fugitives with bread. Show your desert hospitality, you who live in Tema. 15 The desert's swarming with refugees escaping the horrors of war. 16 The Master told me, "Hang on. Within one year - I'll sign a contract on it! - the arrogant brutality of Kedar, those hooligans of the desert, will be over, 17 nothing much left of the Kedar toughs." The God of Israel says so.
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.