Definition: Concerning Kedar, and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite, thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 49:28. It's a pretty serious passage about God’s plan for the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially a command from God to actively punish a group of people – specifically the Israelites – and to cause destruction in the region surrounding Hazor. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “Jeremiah 49:28 Concerning Kedar…” - This refers to a specific person named Kedar, who lived in the area around the city of Hazor. It’s important to understand that this is not about a single individual; it's about a place and a group of people connected to that location. “…and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon shall smite…” – This is the core of the verse. Nebuchadnezzar II was the ruler of Babylon at the time. God is telling him that he will punish the Israelites and their surrounding lands. He’s specifically targeting the area around Hazor, which is a significant city. “thus saith the LORD; Arise ye, go up to Kedar, and spoil the men of the east.” – This is the direct instruction from God. He says: “Therefore, I say to you, rise up! Go to Kedar, and destroy the people in the East.” What’s happening? The verse suggests a deliberate strategy by God to eliminate the Israelites and their potential future power. It's not just random violence; it’s a planned act of punishment and destruction aimed at weakening Israel’s ability to grow or become too powerful. Important Context (This is where it gets deeper): The Prophecy: This passage comes from the Old Testament, specifically part of the Book of Jeremiah. The book focuses on God's judgment against nations and the Israelites, leading up to a period of exile. The Reason Behind It: Historically, there’s a theory that this verse is connected to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 612 BC. It's believed that the Babylonians, after defeating the Israelites, sent prophets like Jeremiah to deliver God's message of judgment and prepare for future devastation. In short, this verse describes God’s plan to punish the Israelites, particularly those in the region around Hazor, as a result of Nebuchadnezzar II’s actions. --- Disclaimer: I want to emphasize that this is a complex passage with significant theological and historical significance. Different interpretations exist among scholars and believers. Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Jeremiah? Discuss the historical context of this passage in more detail? Answer any specific questions you have about it?