This is the burden against Arabia:This phrase introduces a prophecy or oracle concerning Arabia, a region inhabited by various tribes. In biblical times, Arabia was known for its vast deserts and nomadic tribes. The term "burden" often signifies a message of judgment or a heavy pronouncement from God. This prophecy is part of a series of oracles against nations surrounding Israel, indicating God's sovereignty over all nations. Arabia's mention here highlights its significance in the ancient Near East and its interactions with Israel.
In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge:
The "thickets of Arabia" refers to the dense, often impenetrable areas within the desert regions. This imagery suggests a place of refuge or hiding, possibly due to impending danger or threat. The command to "lodge" implies a temporary stay, indicating a period of unrest or instability. Historically, the Arabian tribes were known for their nomadic lifestyle, moving through the desert for trade and sustenance. This phrase may symbolize a disruption in their usual patterns, possibly due to military threats or divine judgment.
O caravans of Dedanites:
The Dedanites were a tribe known for their trading caravans, which traveled through Arabia and beyond. Dedan is often associated with trade routes that connected the Arabian Peninsula with other parts of the ancient world, including Israel. The mention of caravans suggests economic activity and the movement of goods, which were vital for survival in the desert. This phrase may indicate that the Dedanites, despite their wealth and mobility, would face challenges or disruptions. In a broader biblical context, Dedan is mentioned in other prophetic books, such as Ezekiel, where it is associated with trade and commerce. The reference here underscores the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the impact of divine pronouncements on all nations.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ArabiaA region in the ancient Near East, often associated with the Arabian Peninsula. In this context, it represents a place of judgment and prophecy.
2.
DedanitesA tribe or group of people known for their trading caravans. Dedan was a descendant of Abraham through Keturah, and the Dedanites were known for their commerce and travel.
3.
Thickets of ArabiaRefers to the dense, often inhospitable areas within Arabia. It symbolizes a place of temporary refuge or hiding, possibly due to impending danger or judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe prophecy against Arabia reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples. His plans and purposes extend beyond Israel to encompass the entire world.
The Transience of Human SecurityThe Dedanites, known for their trade and wealth, are depicted as needing to lodge in thickets, symbolizing the fleeting nature of human security and prosperity.
The Call to Seek Refuge in GodJust as the Dedanites sought temporary refuge, we are reminded to seek our ultimate refuge in God, who provides true safety and security.
The Importance of Heeding Prophetic WarningsThe burden against Arabia serves as a warning to heed God's prophetic messages. Ignoring such warnings can lead to dire consequences.
Trust in God's Provision During Uncertain TimesThe image of lodging in thickets can be seen as a metaphor for trusting God's provision and guidance during times of uncertainty and trial.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 21:13?
2.How does Isaiah 21:13 encourage us to support those in need today?
3.What can we learn about God's provision from Isaiah 21:13?
4.How does Isaiah 21:13 connect with Jesus' teachings on hospitality?
5.In what ways can we "bring water" to those in spiritual deserts?
6.How does Isaiah 21:13 inspire us to act in faith and compassion?
7.What is the historical context of Isaiah 21:13 regarding the oracle against Arabia?
8.How does Isaiah 21:13 reflect God's judgment on nations?
9.What is the significance of the "Desert by the Sea" in Isaiah 21:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 21?
11.What does the Bible say about Arabs?
12.Who are the descendants of Ishmael?
13.Why did Abraham prepare to sacrifice his son Isaac?
14.What does the Bible say about Arabs?What Does Isaiah 21:13 Mean
This is the burden“‘This is the burden…’” (Isaiah 21:13)
• Scripture introduces a “burden” as a solemn oracle of judgment; a weighty, inescapable message from the LORD, much like the burdens proclaimed over Babylon (Isaiah 13:1) and Moab (Isaiah 15:1).
• The wording reminds us that God’s pronouncements are never light or optional—He speaks with final authority (Isaiah 55:10-11).
• For believers today, every prophecy underscores the reliability of God’s Word. When He warns, He will surely act (Numbers 23:19).
against Arabia“…the burden against Arabia…” (Isaiah 21:13)
• “Arabia” refers to the desert regions south of Judah, home to various nomadic tribes (cf.Jeremiah 25:24).
• God’s scope of judgment is global; He addresses Gentile nations as well as Israel (Isaiah 34:1-2).
• This reinforces that no people group is outside His moral jurisdiction (Psalm 96:10).
In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge“‘In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge…’” (Isaiah 21:13)
• The prophecy pictures refugees forced to camp in rough brush country—far from the established caravan routes.
• Similar imagery appears when Edomites hide “in the clefts of the rock” (Obadiah 1:3-4); safety is illusory when God’s judgment comes.
• Practically, the line warns that prosperity and mobility can vanish overnight (Proverbs 23:4-5).
O caravans of Dedanites“…O caravans of Dedanites.” (Isaiah 21:13)
• Dedan was a trading people linked to southern Arabia (Ezekiel 27:20). They depended on commerce and long desert journeys.
• Judgment disrupts their entire economic life—mirroring how Tyre’s merchants were silenced (Isaiah 23:1-3).
• The New Testament echoes this pattern when Revelation pictures merchants mourning Babylon’s fall (Revelation 18:11-17).
• The point: human systems of trade and security crumble when confronted with divine holiness (James 4:13-16).
summaryIsaiah 21:13 opens a prophecy that weighs heavily on the desert tribes of Arabia. God delivers a “burden” that no nation can escape. The nomads who once traversed profitable routes will find themselves huddling in inhospitable thickets, their caravans stalled, their confidence shattered. The verse reminds us that the LORD governs every people, overturns self-reliance, and calls all to humble dependence on Him.
(13)
The burden upon Arabia.--Better,
of the evening land.Here, again, the prophet alters the form of the word (
Arabinto
Ereb) so as to convey a mystic meaning. The land of which he is about to speak is a land of shadow and of gloom. Evening is falling on it. It is a question whether the second Arabia is to retain its geographical form or to be translated "evening," as before. In any case, of course, Arabia is the country spoken of. The "Dedanites" appear in
Jeremiah 49:8;
Ezekiel 25:13, and seem from
Ezekiel 27:15 to have been dwelling in the neighbourhood of the Edomites (
Jeremiah 49:8) as a commercial people trading with Tyre in ebony and ivory. The point of the oracle against them is that they shall be compelled by the presence of the Assyrian armies to leave the main lines of their traffic, probably, as before, on their way westward to Tyre, and to take bye-paths, pitching their tents not near towns and villages, but in the low brushwood of the wilderness.
Verses 13-17. - THE BURDEN OF ARABIA. Edom will have companions in misfortune among the Arab tribes upon her borders, Dedan, Tema, and Kedar. War will enter their territory, derange their commerce (ver. 13), cause flight and privation (vers. 14, 15), and within a year greatly diminish the number of their fighting men (vers. 16, 17). The date of the prophecy is uncertain, but can scarcely be earlier than
B.C. 715, when Sargon made an expedition into Arabia (O. Smith, 'Eponym Canon,' p. 66).
Verse 13. -
The burden upon Arabia; rather,
in Arabia. The phrase is varied from its usual form, probably because it is not Arabia generally, but only certain of the more northern tribes, on whom calamity is about to fall.
In the forest... shall ye lodge. The word used is commonly translated "forest;" but Arabia has no forests, and the meaning here must be "brushwood." Thorny bushes and shrubs are common in all parts of Arabia. The general meaning is that the caravans will have to leave the beaten track, and obtain such shelter and concealment as the scanty brushwood of the desert could afford.
Ye traveling companies of Dedanim. The Dedanim, or Dedanites, were among the chief traders of the Arabian peninsula. They had commercial dealings with Tyre, which they supplied with ivory, ebony, and "precious clothes for chariots" (
Ezekiel 27:15, 20). This trade they carried on by means of large caravans - the "travelling companies" of the present passage. They are thought to have had their chief
settlements on the shores of the Persian Gulf, where the island of Dadan may be an echo of their name.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
[This is] an oracleמַשָּׂ֖א(maś·śā)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4853:A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desireconcerning Arabia:בַּעְרָ֑ב(ba‘·rāḇ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6152:Arabia -- 'steppe-dwellers', a country East of IsraelIn the thicketsבַּיַּ֤עַר(bay·ya·‘ar)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3293:A copse of bushes, a forest, honey in the combof Arabiaבַּעְרַב֙(ba‘·raḇ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6152:Arabia -- 'steppe-dwellers', a country East of Israelyou must lodge,תָּלִ֔ינוּ(tā·lî·nū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3885:To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinateO caravansאֹֽרְח֖וֹת(’ō·rə·ḥō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 736:A traveling company, caravanof Dedanites.דְּדָנִֽים׃(də·ḏā·nîm)Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 1720:Dedanites -- descendants or inhabitants of Dedan
Links
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 21:13 The burden on Arabia (Isa Isi Is) 
