Few Will Remain
The survivors of the bowmen, the warriors of Kedar, will be few. The Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken.
Isaiah 21:17 (NIV)
The oracle against Kedar announces the dwindling: few survivors would remain among bowmen and warriors. A short sentence with a heavy seal: the Lord, the God of Israel, has spoken. When God speaks, Bedouin bows turn to twigs. No army appeals a divine decree. Heaven's court has no higher instance.
Wise obedience takes warning seriously before arrows fly. Whoever hears the sentence in time chooses the right side of history. Kedar trusted bow and speed; God already counted survivors. All human strength has a numbered count in heaven. Weapons rust, but the Word stands forever.
The lesson crosses centuries: power that defies God carries an expiration date. Empires fall, warriors dwindle, but whoever shelters in obedience outlives judgments. Survival belongs not to the fastest bow but to the most bended knee. Humility is the finest armor ever forged.
Today, lower the bows you have raised: stubbornness, self-sufficiency, disguised rebellion. Hear the sentence with reverence and turn around. God still counts survivors, and there is room for whoever surrenders. Surrender today, unconditionally and completely.
And lay down bows: listening ears live, lifted bows fall. Lay down bows today. Listening ears survive judgments.