Isaiah 43:2 - Exposition

Through the waters … through the rivers ; i.e. through troubles of any kind (comp. Psalms 66:12 , "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place"). There were, perhaps, special troubles to be endured connected with the final Babylonian struggle. There were certainly others connected with the tedious and dangerous journey from Babylonia to Palestine ( Ezra 8:22 , Ezra 8:31 ). There were others, again, after the Holy Land was reached, arising out of the jealousy and ill will of neighbouring nations ( Ezra 4:1-24 ; Ezra 5:1-17 .; Nehemiah 4-6.). Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee . The literal fulfilment in the persons of the "three children" ( Daniel 3:27 ) will be obvious to every reader. But the prophecy has, no doubt, a far wider scope.