Isaiah 21 14

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.

Isaiah 21:14 nkjv

O inhabitants of the land of Tema, Bring water to him who is thirsty; With their bread they met him who fled.

Isaiah 21:14 niv

bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.

Isaiah 21:14 esv

To the thirsty bring water; meet the fugitive with bread, O inhabitants of the land of Tema.

Isaiah 21:14 nlt

O people of Tema,
bring water to these thirsty people,
food to these weary refugees.

Isaiah 21 verses

Isaiah 21 14 meaning

Isaiah 21:14 describes an act of profound humanitarian compassion amidst the turmoil of war. The verse pictures the inhabitants of Tema, a wealthy oasis city in northern Arabia, extending vital aid—water and bread—to those fleeing persecution and displacement, likely the Dedanites and Kedar, who were being pursued by a conquering army, often understood to be Assyrian forces. This passage highlights a crucial moment of selfless provision for basic survival necessities for vulnerable fugitives in the harsh desert environment.

Isaiah 21 14 Context

Isaiah chapter 21 is comprised of three distinct "oracles" or "burdens," prophecies mainly concerning the fate of foreign nations: Babylon (vv. 1-10), Edom (Dumah) (vv. 11-12), and Arabia (vv. 13-17). Verse 14 falls within "The Oracle Concerning Arabia" (vv. 13-17). This section vividly depicts the desperation of the Dedanites and Kedar, Arabian tribes, who are forced to flee from an invading army, probably Assyrian, into the desolate Arabian desert. These refugees are depicted enduring immense suffering, thirst, and hunger. It is in this grim scenario that the people of Tema, a powerful and resource-rich oasis town known for its abundant wells, demonstrate an unexpected act of compassion, offering life-sustaining provisions to the fleeing tribesmen. This humane gesture stands in stark contrast to the violence and displacement surrounding it, painting a poignant picture of solidarity in hardship.

Isaiah 21 14 Word analysis

• The inhabitants: (Hebrew: יֹשְׁבֵי - yōshḇēy) Refers to the settled, permanent dwellers. It implies an established community with resources, distinguishing them from the fleeing nomads.
• of the land of Tema: (Hebrew: אֶרֶץ תֵּמָא - ’erets Tēmā’) Tema was an ancient, prominent oasis city and a significant trade hub in northwest Arabia. Descendants of Ishmael, mentioned in Gen 25:15, it was strategically located and known for its vital water sources and prosperity, which allowed it to provide aid.
• brought water: (Hebrew: הֵתָיוּ מַיִם - hētāyū mayim) "Brought" denotes an active, deliberate action of supply. Water is the most critical commodity in the desert, essential for immediate survival, highlighting the dire need and the generous provision.
• to the thirsty: (Hebrew: לַצָּמֵא - latṣṣāmē’) Singular form but understood collectively, emphasizing the widespread and intense dehydration of the fleeing populace. It points to a desperate and immediate need.
• they met: (Hebrew: קִדְּמוּ - qidəmū) This verb often implies to "go before," "go to meet," or "precede." In this context, it suggests they actively went out to encounter and provide aid to the fugitives, rather than waiting for the desperate to arrive. It indicates proactive compassion.
• the fugitive: (Hebrew: נֹדֵד - nōdēd) Refers to a wanderer, refugee, or someone forced to flee from their home, usually due to war or disaster. This term evokes vulnerability, homelessness, and a precarious existence.
• with bread: (Hebrew: בְּלַחְמוֹ - bəlaḥmō) "Bread" (leḥem) represents food in general, another basic necessity for survival. The possessive "his bread" (or "their bread") might suggest it was their own sustenance, offered at personal cost, reinforcing the selflessness of the act.

• "The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water...": This phrase immediately establishes the source of aid, highlighting Tema's unusual position of having surplus in a desert, and their willingness to share it. Their location enabled their mercy.
• "...water to the thirsty; they met the fugitive with bread": This parallelism underscores the two most critical provisions for desert survival—water and food. It paints a holistic picture of comprehensive, life-saving aid provided to individuals in utmost distress, facing imminent perishing. The phrase emphasizes both immediate relief and sustained nourishment.
• The combined acts demonstrate remarkable empathy and responsibility, especially considering potential tribal differences or the harsh 'survival of the fittest' mentality often prevalent in such environments. It showcases an ethic of common humanity.

Isaiah 21 14 Bonus section

• A Contrast to Expected Tribalism: In the ancient Near East, relations between nomadic and settled peoples, or even distinct nomadic tribes, were often fraught with competition for resources. Tema's generous act towards the fleeing Dedanites and Kedar is noteworthy because it overrides typical inter-tribal tensions in a moment of extreme shared vulnerability, offering an example of selfless aid beyond immediate kinship or alliance.
• The Power of an Oasis: Tema's ability to provide such aid underscores its significance as an oasis. An oasis in the desert was not merely a source of water, but a sanctuary, a trading hub, and often a center of relative prosperity. Their unique resource advantage placed them in a position to act as benefactors.
• The Prophetic Function of Humanitarian Detail: Amidst prophecies of desolation and military campaigns, this verse provides a crucial humanizing detail. It prevents the oracle from being purely about political maneuvering and divine judgment, subtly hinting at a universal moral standard and the possibility of grace even in the midst of turmoil. This humanitarian interjection serves to highlight acts of compassion that resonate with God's own character and commands.
• Echoes in Modern Crises: The scenario depicted – refugees fleeing violence and relying on the generosity of those in a safer, resourced location for basic needs – resonates with countless humanitarian crises throughout history and up to the present day, emphasizing the timeless nature of such human struggles and the enduring need for compassion.

Isaiah 21 14 Commentary

Isaiah 21:14 offers a poignant snapshot of human kindness amidst prophecy of severe judgment and displacement. While God often uses nations as instruments of judgment, the verse draws our attention to a flicker of human compassion that defies the surrounding desolation. The wealthy inhabitants of Tema, a place uniquely blessed with water and provisions in a arid land, extend vital life support to the Dedanites and Kedar, tribes likely fleeing an Assyrian onslaught described in the preceding verse. Their act of proactively providing water to the thirsty and bread to the hungry fugitive goes beyond mere custom; it embodies a deeply biblical ethic of caring for the sojourner and the distressed (Deut 10:19, Matt 25:35). This serves as a reminder that even outside the immediate covenant community, humanitarian virtue can be manifest, demonstrating a common grace and an innate moral understanding that reflects the Divine giver of life. It’s a quiet testament to empathy, contrasting sharply with the harshness of war and often unexpected in an ancient world rife with tribal animosities.