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.

And they thirsted {H6770} not when he led {H3212} them through the deserts {H2723}: he caused the waters {H4325} to flow {H5140} out of the rock {H6697} for them: he clave {H1234} the rock {H6697} also, and the waters {H4325} gushed out {H2100}.

They weren't thirsty when he led them through the deserts, he made water flow from the rock for them - he split the rock, and out gushed the water.

They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.

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 48:21 serves as a powerful reminder of God's miraculous provision and unwavering faithfulness to His people, drawing upon a pivotal moment in Israel's history.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Isaiah (chapters 40-48) where God addresses the nation of Israel, particularly the descendants of Jacob and Judah, who are in Babylonian captivity. God is asserting His unique sovereignty, foreknowledge, and power, contrasting it with the futility of idols. He reminds them of His past acts of salvation and provision as a basis for trusting in His future deliverance from Babylon. Isaiah 48:21 specifically recalls the miraculous provision during the Exodus journey through the wilderness, where God sustained the Israelites in impossible conditions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: The verse highlights God's unfailing ability to supply the needs of His people, even in the harshest environments like the desert. He ensures they "thirsted not," demonstrating complete and comprehensive care.
  • God's Faithfulness: It serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant faithfulness. Just as He provided in the past, He will again deliver His people from their current captivity, fulfilling His promises.
  • Miraculous Power: The act of causing water to flow from a solid rock is a profound display of God's omnipotence, highlighting His absolute control over creation and His willingness to intervene supernaturally for His chosen people.
  • Guidance and Sustenance: God not only leads His people ("he led them through the deserts") but also sustains them throughout their journey, ensuring their survival and well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'clave' (בָּקַע, baqa) implies a forceful splitting or bursting open, emphasizing the dramatic and powerful nature of God's action in dividing the rock. Similarly, 'gushed out' (זָבוּ, zavu) conveys an abundant and free flow of water, not merely a trickle, signifying God's lavish provision.

Related Scriptures

This historical event is detailed in Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20:11. The Apostle Paul later identifies this miraculous provision as a spiritual type, stating that the rock was Christ, emphasizing Christ as the ultimate source of living water and spiritual sustenance. Isaiah frequently alludes to the Exodus as a pattern for future deliverance; compare this verse with Isaiah 43:19-20, where God promises to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, foreshadowing a new exodus from captivity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 48:21 is a powerful anchor of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that no matter how desolate or challenging our circumstances may appear, God remains the same faithful Provider. When facing 'deserts' in life—be it financial hardship, illness, emotional distress, or spiritual dryness—we can look to God's past acts of provision as a guarantee of His continued care. His power is not diminished, and He can still 'cause waters to flow out of the rock' in unexpected ways. This verse encourages us to trust in God's leading, knowing that He guides His people safely and provides for their needs along the way, ultimately leading them to a place of rest and abundance.

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.

  • Exodus 17:6

    Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

  • Isaiah 43:19

    Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

  • Isaiah 43:20

    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.

  • 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 41:18

    I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

  • Isaiah 35:6

    Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

  • Isaiah 35:7

    And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes.

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