17 The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few." The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.
17 And the residue of the number of archers,
17 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."
17 nothing much left of the Kedar toughs." The God of Israel says so.
17 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."
17 Only a few of its courageous archers will survive. I, the Lord, the God of Israel, have spoken!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 21:17
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.