Isaiah 43:20

KJV

The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The beast {H2416} of the field {H7704} shall honour {H3513} me, the dragons {H8577} and the owls {H1323}{H3284}: because I give {H5414} waters {H4325} in the wilderness {H4057}, and rivers {H5104} in the desert {H3452}, to give drink {H8248} to my people {H5971}, my chosen {H972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I put water in the desert, rivers in the wasteland, for my chosen people to drink,

Berean Standard Bible

The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.

American Standard Version

The beasts of the field shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:20 powerfully declares God's unparalleled sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people, Israel, promising miraculous provision and restoration. It paints a vivid picture of a transformed wilderness, where even the most untamed elements of creation acknowledge and honor the Lord for His life-giving intervention, all for the sake of His elect. This verse underscores the divine initiative in bringing about salvation and sustenance in the most desolate circumstances, affirming God's unique relationship with His people and the universal recognition of His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a profound section of Isaiah (chapters 40-55), often referred to as "Second Isaiah," which focuses on God's comfort and restoration of Israel after their Babylonian exile. Specifically, Isaiah 43 is a powerful oracle of salvation, where God reassures His people of their identity and purpose despite their past failures and current captivity. Preceding this verse, God declares His unique identity as the only Savior and Redeemer, having done great things in the past (e.g., the miraculous deliverance at [the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")). Immediately before verse 20, in [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing"), God proclaims His intention to do a "new thing," promising to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, setting the stage for the miraculous provision described in verse 20 as a sign of this new work. The imagery of water in barren lands directly echoes and surpasses the miraculous provision during the first Exodus, highlighting a greater, future deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical context for Isaiah 43 is the Babylonian exile, a period when the people of Judah were displaced from their homeland and temple, feeling abandoned and punished by God. The "wilderness" and "desert" imagery would have resonated deeply with their experience of displacement and the arduous journey of return. In the ancient Near East, deserts were inhospitable, life-threatening environments. The provision of water in such places was a sign of divine favor and miraculous power, as seen in the wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Exodus 17:6 - Water from the Rock")). The mention of "beast of the field," "dragons," and "owls" refers to wild, untamed creatures typically associated with desolate, uninhabited regions, emphasizing the complete transformation of the environment and the universal recognition of God's power, even by those elements of creation least expected to show reverence.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 43:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute power to transform the most barren landscapes into sources of life and sustenance for His people. This theme is central to God's covenant faithfulness, assuring Israel that He will meet their needs even in impossible situations. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Unique Relationship with Israel**, referring to them as "my people, my chosen." This reiterates the theme of election and covenant, emphasizing that God's actions are ultimately motivated by His enduring love and commitment to His elect (cf. [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel as God's Chosen People")). Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Universal Acknowledgment of God's Glory**, as even wild animals are depicted honoring God. This foreshadows a time when all creation will recognize and respond to the Lord's redemptive work, a motif found throughout prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 11:6-9](/isaiah/11-6-9 "Isaiah 11:6-9 - The Peaceable Kingdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This verb (H3513) means "to be heavy," and by extension, "to be weighty," "glorious," or "honorable." When used in relation to God, it signifies to glorify, show respect, or acknowledge His greatness and authority. In this context, it implies that even the wild, untamed creatures will be compelled by the sheer magnitude of God's miraculous provision to recognize and give Him due reverence, demonstrating the undeniable impact of His power and the universal scope of His glory.
* **Wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** This noun (H4057) refers to a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert. It often denotes a place of desolation, hardship, and lack of resources. In biblical narrative, the wilderness is frequently a setting for testing, purification, and divine provision. Here, it emphasizes the seemingly impossible nature of God's act – bringing abundant water to a place utterly devoid of it, transforming barrenness into life.
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchîyr'_):** This adjective (H972) means "select," "chosen one," or "elect." It highlights the special, deliberate selection of Israel by God, not based on their merit, but on His sovereign grace and covenant love. The miraculous provision of water is explicitly for "my people, my chosen," underscoring the intimate and exclusive nature of God's redemptive care for those He has set apart, revealing His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls:"** This opening clause presents a striking image of universal acknowledgment. "Beast of the field" (H2416 _chay_ and H7704 _sâdeh_) refers to wild animals, while "dragons" (H8577 _tannîyn_) and "owls" (H1323 _bath_ and H3284 _yaʻănâh_) are often associated with desolate, untamed places, sometimes even representing chaos or untamed nature. The declaration that *they* will "honour" God emphasizes the overwhelming and undeniable nature of His power and glory, so evident that even the least expected elements of creation will respond with reverence and recognition.
* **"because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert,"** This clause provides the explicit reason for the universal honor. God's miraculous provision of "waters" (H4325 _mayim_) and "rivers" (H5104 _nâhâr_) in the "wilderness" (H4057 _midbâr_) and "desert" (H3452 _yᵉshîymôwn_) is the catalyst. This is not mere sustenance but an act of profound transformation, turning barrenness into abundance, death into life. It signifies a divine intervention that defies natural laws, demonstrating God's omnipotence and His ability to create life where none exists.
* **"to give drink to my people, my chosen."** This concluding clause reveals the ultimate purpose and recipient of God's miraculous provision. The act of "giving drink" (H8248 _shâqâh_) is specifically for "my people" (H5971 _ʻam_), identified as "my chosen" (H972 _bâchîyr_). This highlights God's covenant faithfulness and His particular, redemptive love for Israel. The entire miraculous display is not for a general audience but is a targeted act of care and salvation for those He has uniquely selected, affirming their special status in His eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Personification** is clearly evident in the depiction of "the beast of the field, the dragons and the owls" honoring God. These wild animals, typically devoid of moral agency, are portrayed as consciously recognizing and responding to God's mighty acts, lending a universal and undeniable quality to His glory, suggesting that His power is so manifest it compels even the irrational to acknowledge Him. **Hyperbole** is also present in the promise of "rivers in the desert." While God did provide water in the wilderness historically, the imagery of full-fledged "rivers" emphasizes the extraordinary abundance and completeness of His future provision, surpassing mere survival to signify flourishing and overwhelming blessing. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the phrases "waters in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert," which are synonymous expressions reinforcing the idea of abundant provision in barren lands. This repetition adds poetic emphasis and rhythm, underscoring the miraculous and transformative nature of God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:20 profoundly illustrates God's character as the sovereign Provider and Faithful Redeemer. It connects the physical provision of water in the desert to a deeper spiritual truth: God's ability to bring life, hope, and restoration to situations of utter desolation, both for a nation in exile and for individuals in spiritual wildernesses. This miraculous intervention is not random but is specifically for "my people, my chosen," emphasizing the covenantal basis of God's actions and His unwavering commitment to His elect. The honor rendered by creation underscores the universal scope of God's glory, which will ultimately be acknowledged by all creation in response to His redemptive acts.

* [Psalm 107:35](/psalms/107-35 "Psalm 107:35 - God Turns Wilderness into Water")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")
* [Revelation 7:17](/revelation/7-17 "Revelation 7:17 - The Lamb Leads to Springs of Living Water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 43:20 offers profound encouragement and a robust foundation for faith in the midst of life's "wilderness" experiences. It assures us that no situation is too barren or hopeless for God's transformative power. When we face spiritual dryness, emotional desolation, financial hardship, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that our God is the one who can make rivers flow in the desert. Our identity as God's "chosen" means we are recipients of His special, miraculous care, and He will provide for us in ways that compel even the "beasts of the field" – that is, the most unlikely circumstances or even our own untamed anxieties – to acknowledge His greatness. This calls us to cultivate a posture of radical trust, believing that God's provision will not merely sustain us but will lead to flourishing, bringing Him glory in the process. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances to the sovereign hand of God, who is always working for the good of His beloved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" or "desert" areas in your life currently feel barren or hopeless?**
* **How does the promise of God providing "waters" and "rivers" in such places speak to your current needs?**
* **In what ways can you, as one of God's "chosen," bring Him honor through your trust and witness to His transformative power?**
* **How might God be doing a "new thing" in your life, even if it feels like a wilderness experience right now?**

### FAQ

**Why would wild animals honor God?**

Answer: The imagery of "the beast of the field," "dragons," and "owls" honoring God is a powerful poetic device (personification and hyperbole) used to emphasize the undeniable and overwhelming nature of God's miraculous provision. It suggests that God's acts will be so profound and evident that even the most untamed and unreasoning parts of creation will be compelled to acknowledge His power and glory. It's not about literal animal worship, but about the universal recognition of God's sovereignty when He acts decisively to provide for His people, transforming the desolate wilderness into a place of life. This highlights that God's glory is so immense it transcends all boundaries, impacting even the natural world and prompting a response of reverence.

**How does this verse relate to God's promise of a "new thing" in Isaiah 43:19?**

Answer: Isaiah 43:20 directly elaborates on and fulfills the promise made in [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - God Does a New Thing"). In verse 19, God declares, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Verse 20 then describes the *result* and *purpose* of this "new thing": "The beast of the field shall honour me... because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen." The "new thing" is precisely this miraculous, unprecedented provision of abundant life-giving water in the most barren places, leading to God's glory and the sustenance of His elect. It signifies a greater deliverance and restoration than even the first Exodus, marked by God's transformative power over creation for the benefit of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 43:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Living Water and the embodiment of God's provision for His chosen people. The physical provision of water in the wilderness for Israel foreshadows the spiritual sustenance offered by Christ. Just as God transformed the literal desert for His ancient people, Jesus transforms the spiritual wilderness of humanity, offering eternal life and refreshment to all who believe. He declared, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow [rivers of living water]'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). This is a far greater "new thing" than even the physical rivers in the desert, as it addresses the deepest human thirst for God, providing spiritual life in the barrenness of sin. Furthermore, the "chosen people" of Isaiah 43:20, while initially referring to Israel, expands in the New Covenant to include all who are chosen in Christ, both Jew and Gentile, forming the new people of God ([1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race and Holy Nation")). Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, the desolate landscape of sin and death is transformed into a garden of life, where God is honored not just by wild beasts, but by a redeemed humanity, now able to worship Him in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The ultimate honor given to God is through the salvation wrought by His Son, which brings living water to every parched soul and transforms all who believe into His glorious image.

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

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Isaiah 48:21

And they thirsted not [when] he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Isaiah 13:22

And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in [their] pleasant palaces: and her time [is] near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Psalms 148:10

Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: