Isaiah 48:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 48:16-22

Here, as before, Jacob and Israel are summoned to hearken to the prophet speaking in God's name, or rather to God speaking in and by the prophet, and that as a type of the great prophet by whom God has in these last days spoken unto us, and that is sufficient: Come near therefore, and hear this. Note, Those that would hear and understand what God says must come near, and approach to him; let them come as near as they can. Let those that have hearkened to the tempter now come near, and hear... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 48:21

And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts ,.... As when he led the people of Israel through the wilderness to Canaan's land, though they sometimes thirsted for want of water, yet they were supplied with it, by which their thirst was extinguished, to which the reference here is. So when they came out of Babylon, and passed through the waste and desert places which lay between that and Judea, they were supplied with all necessaries. Thus the apostles of Christ, when they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 48:21

They thirsted not - through the deserts - Kimchi has a surprising observation upon this place: "If the prophecy," says he, "relates to the return from the Babylonish captivity, as it seems to do, it is to be wondered how it comes to pass, that in the Book of Ezra, in which he gives an account of their return, no mention is made that such miracles were wrought for them; as, for instance, that God clave the rock for them in the desert." It is really much to be wondered, that one of the most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:1-22

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:12-22

The new revelation. The verses contain a summary of the contents of Isaiah 40-47. God is the First and the Last—the sole Creator. Prophecy is an evidence of his claims; and so is the mission of Cyrus. I. THE REVELATION CONCERNING GOD . First Jacob and Israel, the chosen people, are called to listen. Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega of the universe. The First Cause and Reason of things; he gave the first impulse to their course, the goal of which will still be himself. Before... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:16-22

THE THIRD ADDRESS . Israel is reminded of God's merciful teaching and leading in the past ( Isaiah 48:16 , Isaiah 48:17 ); expostulated with on their disobedience ( Isaiah 48:18 , Isaiah 48:19 ); exhorted to go forth boldly and joyfully from Babylon ( Isaiah 48:20 , Isaiah 48:21 ); and finally warned that God's blessings—even such a blessing as deliverance—are no blessings to any but the righteous ( Isaiah 48:22 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 48:21

They thirsted not (comp. Isaiah 43:19 , and the comment ad loc ) . The literal meaning is not to be altogether excluded. We have no historical account of the journey made by the bulk of the exiles who returned with Zerubbabel; but they must almost certainly have experienced difficulties with respect to water; and it is quite possible that a miraculous supply was vouchsafed to them. Most commentators, however, are content to explain both this and the earlier passage as merely... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 48:21

And they thirsted not - This is a part of that for which they would be called to celebrate his name. It was not merely that he had redeemed them, but that he had abundantly provided for their needs in the desert, and guided them safe through the pathless wilderness to their own land (see the notes at Isaiah 35:6-7; Isaiah 41:17-18).He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them - The allusion here is undoubtedly to the fact that God caused the waters to flow out of the rock that Moses... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 48:20-21

Isaiah 48:20-21. Go ye forth of Babylon The imperative is here, as it is very frequently, put for the future, ye shall go forth, &c. For the words do not so much contain a command as a promise. This form of speaking, however, may be the rather used to intimate, that it was their duty to go forth, as well as God’s promise to carry them forth. Flee ye from the Chaldeans Not silently and sorrowfully, but with a voice of singing With joy, and songs of praise to the Lord. Declare ye,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 48:1-22

The past and the future (48:1-22)Before returning to their homeland, the people are reminded of the sins that led the nation into captivity. They must not repeat former errors. The people’s chief failing was that they honoured God with their words but not with their conduct (48:1-2). Knowing their tendency towards idolatry, God gave his people advance revelations of his will, to prevent them from turning to idols for guidance. But they still stubbornly rejected his teaching (3-5).Nevertheless,... read more

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