And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
And they shall spring up {H6779} as among {H996} the grass {H2682}, as willows {H6155} by the water {H4325} courses {H2988}.
They will spring up among the grass like willows on the riverbanks.
They will sprout among the grass like willows by flowing streams.
and they shall spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. -
Psalms 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. -
Psalms 92:13
Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. -
Psalms 92:15
To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him. -
Ezekiel 17:5
He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree. -
Acts 4:4
Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. -
Psalms 137:1
¶ By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
Isaiah 44:4 (KJV): "And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses."
Commentary
This verse paints a vivid picture of abundant and vigorous growth, using natural imagery to describe the flourishing of God's people under His blessing.
Context
Isaiah chapter 44 is part of a larger section of prophecy (chapters 40-48) focused on comforting Israel and proclaiming God's sovereignty, particularly in contrast to the impotence of idols. Verses 1-5 specifically promise God's favor, identifying Israel as His chosen servant. Verse 3 is key, stating God will "pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." Verse 4 immediately follows, illustrating the *result* of this divine outpouring and blessing: rapid, widespread, and well-nourished growth, like plants thriving in ideal conditions. This stands in stark contrast to the lifelessness associated with idol worship later in the chapter.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew uses simple yet powerful terms. "Spring up" (tsamach) is a common word for vegetation sprouting. "Willows" ('aravim) specifically refers to trees of the willow family, which are well-known for their need for and rapid growth near water. The combination of these images effectively conveys the idea of thriving life dependent on a constant source of nourishment.
Reflection
For believers today, this verse offers a beautiful metaphor for the Christian life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just as willows flourish by streams, our spiritual lives are meant to thrive when we are rooted in God and nourished by His Spirit and Word. This promise assures us that God provides the necessary resources for us to grow, bear fruit, and be vibrant in our faith, much like the blessed person described as a tree planted by the rivers of water. It encourages us to remain connected to the source of life, allowing God's Spirit to produce abundant spiritual growth in us.