Isa 21:13-17 | KingComments | STEP | The word “Arabia” ( ) is related to the word “night”. The words “spend the night” refer to the fact that the Arabs will flee from the enemy. That they must not spend the night on the normal caravan routes, but in the thickets, the (wild) forest, where there are no oases, underlines this thought. The Dedanites are a trading Arab tribe from southern Arabia. Trading means that they are travelers with caravans who transport their merchandise to distant places. They are descendants of Abraham and Keturah ( ). Tema is located in northwestern Arabia. Isaiah calls on the Temanites to help the fugitive with water and bread ( ). The Dedanites are fleeing from the sword of the king of Assyria ( ). Now they must spend the night with the Temanites, an Ishmaelite tribe, descendants of Abraham and Hagar ( ). The Arabs may have escaped an immediate danger by fleeing, but soon after they will be hit by a major disaster. The time is again precisely determined ( ; cf. ). Kedar is located in northern Arabia. It is known for its beautiful black tents ( ; cf. ). Of that beauty, just like of these Arab tribes, not much will remain ( ).

‏ Isaiah 21:13-17

Burden of Arabia

The word “Arabia” (Isa 21:13) is related to the word “night”. The words “spend the night” refer to the fact that the Arabs will flee from the enemy. That they must not spend the night on the normal caravan routes, but in the thickets, the (wild) forest, where there are no oases, underlines this thought.

The Dedanites are a trading Arab tribe from southern Arabia. Trading means that they are travelers with caravans who transport their merchandise to distant places. They are descendants of Abraham and Keturah (Gen 25:1-3). Tema is located in northwestern Arabia. Isaiah calls on the Temanites to help the fugitive with water and bread (Isa 21:14). The Dedanites are fleeing from the sword of the king of Assyria (Isa 21:15). Now they must spend the night with the Temanites, an Ishmaelite tribe, descendants of Abraham and Hagar (Gen 25:12 ; 15).

The Arabs may have escaped an immediate danger by fleeing, but soon after they will be hit by a major disaster. The time is again precisely determined (Isa 21:16; cf. Isa 16:14). Kedar is located in northern Arabia. It is known for its beautiful black tents (Song 1:5; cf. Jer 49:28-29). Of that beauty, just like of these Arab tribes, not much will remain (Isa 21:17).