Old Testament
Isaiah 21:16
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The LORD told me, 'Within a year, as a hired worker counts time, all the glory of Kedar shall fail.'
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For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:
What Isaiah 21:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God communicates a message about the impending downfall of Kedar, a region known for its wealth and glory. The phrase 'within a year, as a hired worker counts time' emphasizes the certainty and quickness of this prophecy. Just as a hired worker measures time by the completion of their contract, the prophecy indicates that Kedar's glory will diminish swiftly. This serves as a reminder that human pride and achievements are temporary and can be overturned by divine will. The context suggests that Kedar, representing a powerful and prosperous people, will face judgment and loss, highlighting the transient nature of worldly success. This message is not just about Kedar but serves as a broader warning about the fate of nations and individuals who rely solely on their own strength and glory rather than on God.
How to apply Isaiah 21:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the temporary nature of worldly success and glory. It reminds us to place our trust in God rather than in our achievements or status. By recognizing the fleeting nature of human pride, we can focus on building a lasting relationship with God, which provides true fulfillment and security.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 21:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 21:16 mean about Kedar's glory?
Isaiah 21:16 conveys a prophetic message from God regarding the imminent downfall of Kedar, a region known for its wealth and power. The verse emphasizes that within a year, Kedar's glory will diminish, highlighting the certainty and swiftness of this prophecy. It serves as a reminder that human achievements are temporary and can be overturned by divine will.
How does this verse relate to the concept of divine judgment?
This verse illustrates divine judgment by indicating that Kedar, despite its prosperity, will face consequences for its pride and reliance on human strength. It underscores the idea that nations and individuals who place their trust in worldly success rather than in God will ultimately face downfall, reinforcing the theme of accountability before God.
What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 21:16?
Isaiah 21:16 teaches us about the fleeting nature of worldly success and the importance of humility. It encourages us to recognize that our achievements are temporary and that true security comes from a relationship with God. By understanding the transience of glory, we can focus on spiritual growth and reliance on divine strength rather than our own.
Why does the verse mention a 'hired worker' in relation to time?
The mention of a 'hired worker' in Isaiah 21:16 serves to illustrate the certainty and quickness of the prophecy. Just as a hired worker counts time by the duration of their contract, the prophecy indicates that Kedar's downfall will occur swiftly and predictably, emphasizing that God's word is reliable and will come to pass.
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