Isaiah 21:14

KJV

The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

KJV (with Strong's)

The inhabitants {H3427} of the land {H776} of Tema {H8485} brought {H857} water {H4325} to him {H7125} that was thirsty {H6771}, they prevented {H6923} with their bread {H3899} him that fled {H5074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Bring water to the thirsty, you who live in Teima, greet the fugitives with food;

Berean Standard Bible

Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.

American Standard Version

Unto him that was thirsty they brought water; the inhabitants of the land of Tema did meet the fugitives with their bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 21:14 presents a poignant scene within a series of prophetic judgments, depicting the unexpected compassion of the inhabitants of Tema. Amidst the harsh realities of desert warfare and displacement, these people proactively offered vital sustenance—water and bread—to those fleeing from an unnamed, yet clearly devastating, conflict. This verse stands as a remarkable testament to humanitarian aid and selfless provision in a time of severe crisis, highlighting a moment of grace and human kindness amidst the broader narrative of divine judgment and societal upheaval.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 21 is a chapter composed of several "burdens" or prophetic oracles against various nations, including Babylon (vv. 1-10), Edom (vv. 11-12), and Arabia (vv. 13-17). Verse 14 falls within the "burden upon Arabia," specifically addressing the tribes of Dedan, Tema, and Kedar. This section describes the dire circumstances of those fleeing from an impending invasion, likely by Assyrian forces, which were a dominant power during Isaiah's prophetic ministry. The preceding verses (vv. 13-13) set the scene of the desert, where travelers are forced to seek refuge in the thickets, emphasizing the scarcity and danger. The immediate context of verse 14 thus portrays a desperate flight, where basic necessities like water and food become matters of life and death, underscoring the vulnerability of those caught in the path of war.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Isaiah's prophecy (8th century BCE) was marked by the relentless expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyria's campaigns frequently targeted the Arabian peninsula for control of trade routes and resources. Tema (modern Tayma) was a significant oasis town in northern Arabia, strategically located on major trade routes, known for its wells and relative prosperity. The "fled" likely refers to refugees from the Dedanite or other Arabian tribes, possibly fleeing from Assyrian incursions or inter-tribal conflicts. In the arid desert environment, hospitality and the provision of water and food were not merely acts of kindness but essential for survival, deeply embedded in the cultural norms of the region. To "prevent" (meet) someone with provisions was a proactive and vital act of mercy, especially towards those in distress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the theme of **human vulnerability** in the face of conflict and displacement, vividly portraying the desperate need for basic provisions like water and food. It also highlights the theme of **unexpected compassion** and **humanitarian aid**, as the inhabitants of Tema, despite potentially facing their own threats, extended vital assistance. This act of mercy stands in stark contrast to the general tone of judgment and destruction prevalent in the surrounding prophecies, subtly introducing a note of hope and ethical conduct. Furthermore, it touches upon the theme of **divine observation of human actions**, suggesting that even amidst prophecies of judgment against nations, acts of charity and care for the needy are noted, aligning with broader biblical principles of justice and mercy found throughout the Law and Prophets, such as the call to care for the sojourner and the poor (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:18-19](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18-19 - God's Love for the Sojourner")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This root word typically means "to sit down," but by implication, it extends to "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In this context, it refers to the settled population of Tema, emphasizing their established presence and resources, which enabled them to provide aid. Their act of "bringing" water and bread is significant because they are not themselves fleeing, but are rooted in their land, making their proactive compassion all the more notable.
* **thirsty (Hebrew, _tsâmêʼ'_):** This adjective describes a state of intense physical need for water. It can be used literally, as here, to describe someone parched in the desert, or figuratively, to describe a spiritual longing. In Isaiah 21:14, it powerfully conveys the desperate condition of the refugees, making the provision of water an act of life-saving mercy.
* **prevented (Hebrew, _qâdam'_):** This verb means "to project oneself," "to precede," or "to anticipate." In this specific context, it means "to meet" or "to come to meet," often with the nuance of doing so proactively or quickly. The KJV translation "prevented" uses an older sense of the word meaning "to go before" or "to anticipate." This highlights that the people of Tema did not wait for the refugees to beg, but actively went out to provide bread, underscoring their initiative and timely compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty":** This clause introduces the compassionate agents, the settled people of Tema, an oasis known for its water supply. Their action is direct and purposeful: they "brought water." The recipient is "him that was thirsty," a vivid portrayal of the desperate condition of the refugees. This act of providing water in a desert environment is a fundamental act of life-giving hospitality.
* **"they prevented with their bread him that fled."**: This second clause reinforces the proactive nature of Tema's inhabitants. The verb "prevented" (in its archaic sense of "met ahead of time" or "anticipated") emphasizes their initiative. They did not wait for the fugitives to arrive begging, but went out to meet them, bringing "their bread." This signifies a willing and timely provision of essential sustenance to those who were not only thirsty but also "fled," indicating their displacement, vulnerability, and urgent need for nourishment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 21:14 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse presents an act of profound human compassion and aid within a chapter largely devoted to prophecies of judgment, destruction, and despair against various nations. This juxtaposition highlights the unexpected nature of Tema's generosity. There is also strong **Imagery** at play, painting a vivid picture of the parched desert, the desperate flight of refugees, and the life-saving provision of water and bread. The simple yet powerful actions described evoke a sense of immediate human need and the tangible response to it. Furthermore, the phrase "prevented with their bread" uses a subtle form of **Anticipation** or proactive action, emphasizing the initiative taken by the people of Tema, rather than a passive response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, carries significant theological weight, serving as a powerful illustration of practical compassion and hospitality in the face of immense suffering. It implicitly affirms the divine value placed on caring for the vulnerable and displaced, even when such acts occur outside the immediate covenant community of Israel. The provision of water and bread, fundamental necessities for life, reflects a universal ethic of mercy that transcends national boundaries and prophetic judgments. It reminds us that God observes and values acts of kindness and provision for those in dire need, echoing the broader biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and extend hospitality to strangers.

* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Judgment of the Nations")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - The Importance of Hospitality")
* [Proverbs 25:21](/proverbs/25-21 "Proverbs 25:21 - Feeding Your Enemy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 21:14 serves as a timeless call to compassion and proactive humanitarianism. In a world continually marked by conflict, natural disasters, and forced displacement, the actions of the Tema inhabitants stand as a powerful example of selfless love and practical aid. They did not wait for the desperate to beg; they anticipated the need and met it with their own resources. This challenges believers today to move beyond passive sympathy to active engagement in alleviating suffering. Whether it's supporting organizations that provide relief to refugees, offering hospitality to newcomers, or simply being attentive to the needs of the marginalized in our own communities, the verse compels us to be instruments of God's provision and compassion. It reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not just in words, but in tangible acts of love, especially towards those who are most vulnerable and in need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I proactively "prevent" or meet the needs of those who are struggling or displaced in my community or globally?**
* **How does the compassion shown by the inhabitants of Tema challenge my own understanding of hospitality and generosity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to provide "water" and "bread" (both literally and figuratively) to those who are "thirsty" or "fleeing" from hardship today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Tema in this verse?**

Answer: Tema (modern Tayma) was a significant oasis town in ancient northern Arabia, strategically located on major trade routes. Its importance lay in its reliable water sources, which made it a vital stop for travelers and caravans in the arid desert. In Isaiah 21:14, Tema's significance is twofold: first, its ability to provide water and bread highlights its relative prosperity and resources; second, the inhabitants' willingness to share these vital supplies with fleeing refugees demonstrates an unexpected and profound act of compassion in a harsh environment, contrasting with the general tone of judgment in the surrounding prophecies.

**Does "prevented" mean they stopped the fleeing people?**

Answer: No, in the context of the King James Version (KJV) and the original Hebrew, "prevented" (from the Hebrew `qâdam`) does not mean to hinder or stop. Rather, it carries an older English meaning of "to go before," "to anticipate," or "to meet." So, when the verse says "they prevented with their bread him that fled," it means the inhabitants of Tema proactively went out to meet the fleeing people, bringing them bread. This emphasizes their initiative and timely provision of aid, rather than any obstruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 21:14 describes a remarkable act of human compassion, it also subtly points forward to the ultimate provision and compassion found in Jesus Christ. The physical water and bread offered by Tema's inhabitants foreshadow the spiritual sustenance that Christ provides. He declared Himself to be the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") for the spiritually thirsty, promising that whoever drinks of Him will never thirst again ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Wellspring of Life")). Similarly, He is the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who came down from heaven to give life to the world, offering Himself as the true nourishment for those spiritually hungry ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - The Bread of Life for the World")). Just as Tema met the urgent physical needs of the fleeing, Christ meets the deepest spiritual needs of humanity, offering eternal life and true satisfaction to all who come to Him. His entire ministry was characterized by compassion for the hungry, the sick, and the marginalized, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice, providing the spiritual "water" and "bread" that truly saves and sustains.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 25:15

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

Job 6:19

The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

1 Chronicles 1:30

Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

Isaiah 16:3

Take counsel, execute judgment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday; hide the outcasts; bewray not him that wandereth.

Isaiah 16:4

Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.