As I contemplated to whom this prophetic message regarding Arabia referred—whether the Moabites, Ammonites, Idumeans, or the other nations known as Arabs—further words in this vision, stating that all splendor of Kidar will be removed and the number of brave archers will diminish, made it evident that the descendants of Ishmael were intended here. The book of Genesis reveals that Kidar and the Hagarites descended from Ishmael, who have been inaccurately termed Saracens. They reside throughout the desert, and it seems the poet references them—the widely traveling Barcaeans. Furthermore, the text reveals that they dwell before all their brothers, for the expansive desert stretches from India to Mauritania and the Atlantic Ocean.
Moreover, Jeremiah’s reference states, "of Kidar and of the kingdoms of Asor, which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, struck" (Jer. 49:28), and continues with, "Thus saith the Lord, Arise, and go to Kidar, and devastate the sons of the east. Their tents and flocks shall they take; their coverings and all their vessels, and their camels shall be taken for themselves" (Jer. 49:29). Additionally, "For Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, has devised plans against you. Arise, and go to a peaceful people, and dwell in a place without care, says the Lord: they possess neither doors nor locks; they dwell in solitude. Their camels shall be plundered, and much cattle will be taken. I will scatter them like chaff in every wind, those who trim their hair; from all their borders, I will bring destruction upon them, says the Lord. Asor shall become a dwelling for dragons and a desert forever; no man shall dwell there, nor shall the son of man stay there" (Jer. 49:30-33). I have provided this complete testimony from Jeremiah, so you may understand the nature of Kidar. Consider how it represents the Ishmaelite people, or Saracens: they reside in tents, possessing such dwellings, and wherever night falls, they have herds, sheep, and camels; they lack doors or locks, as they live not in cities but in the wilderness. Thus, they faced ruin at the hands of the Babylonians, for Asor, the capital of this nomadic people, was entirely destroyed by them; yet it does not signify the entirety of the people, as they could journey distant miles across the vast desert in a single day on dromedaries. Despite the proclamation that all the glory of Kidar will be taken away, it is noted that the number of skilled warriors will diminish, while those who flee will remain behind.
Upon understanding what Kidar is, and what Arabia signifies, let us reflect on what Isaiah has conveyed: "In the forest at evening you will fall asleep on the paths of Dodanim." The term 'Arab' signifies evening, indicating the onset of night and darkness; those who begin indulging in sinful actions dwell in evening’s twilight, while those steeped in sin dwell in total darkness. Hence in Egypt, the firstborn faced judgment at midnight (Ex. 12). The Apostle Peter denied the Lord three times before the crowing of the rooster, which symbolizes midnight (Matthew 26), but once the night passed and the dawn approached—indicated by the rooster’s crowing, heralding light—he wept in anguish, discerning his sin. At that juncture, he could truthfully declare, "Evening brings weeping, but morning brings joy." This serves as an illustration related to our current discussion. Furthermore, the term Arabia, indicating evening and west, holds various meanings in the Scriptures.
In the forest at dusk, you shall find rest upon the paths of Dedanim. Individuals exhibiting ungodly behavior stray from cultivated fields that are ripe for harvest, instead choosing barren woods filled with thorns and thistles. We also read in the book of Kings that more lives were lost in the forest than by the sword when Absalom rebelled against his father (2 Kings 18:8). It is rightly noted that they inhabit pathways and roads, with evening marking the commencement of evils and the way of Dedan implying judgment. The more sinful actions one engages in, the more one faces divine retribution. Dedan could also imply significant judgment. "You who meet, bring water to him who thirsts; you who dwell in southern lands, with bread meet him who is fleeing. They have run from the swords, the naked blade, the drawn bow, and fierce conflict."
Those in Theman, which signifies south and completeness, who live where it is written, "God will come from the south" (Hab. 3:4), are instructed to assist those fleeing from Arabia and the forest with water and bread; they should not wait idly for these wanderers to arrive, but instead emulate the father in the Gospel parable who eagerly went out to meet his returning son. He bestowed upon him garments and a ring (Luke 15), and likewise, you should carry water and bread to the weary so they may find solace and arrive at your homes sooner. For they flee from the swords of heretics, the teachings of pagans, the blasphemies of the Jews; having witnessed many fall by their arrows in battle, they seek your aid for salvation. This message addresses those who, complacent with their own salvation, neglect to assist those who repent and turn back.
For thus saith the Lord to me: In one more year, analogous to a hireling’s term, all the glory of Kidar will vanish, and the brave archers among Kidar's offspring will decline, for the Lord God of Israel has declared this. Bring water and bread to those escaping from the woods and Arabia because the Lord has promised such will transpire. Just as the year of the hireling—who toils only for his reward—passes swiftly, the glory of Kidar, signifying darkness, will soon dissipate, and the number of archers who wounded those in Arabia—representing false doctrines—will be rendered nothing, as those who flee the forest will be redeemed, receiving the waters of baptism and partaking of heavenly bread. For this certainty comes from the Almighty, the God of Israel, who desires all to awaken to His divine presence.
THEOSIS