Isaiah 48:21

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צָמְא֗וּ And they thirsted H6770
צָמְא֗וּ And they thirsted
Strong's: H6770
Word #: 2 of 12
to thirst (literally or figuratively)
בָּחֳרָבוֹת֙ them through the deserts H2723
בָּחֳרָבוֹת֙ them through the deserts
Strong's: H2723
Word #: 3 of 12
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔ם H1980
הֽוֹלִיכָ֔ם
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 4 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מָֽיִם׃ also and the waters H4325
מָֽיִם׃ also and the waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 5 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
צ֔וּר out of the rock H6697
צ֔וּר out of the rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
הִזִּ֣יל to flow H5140
הִזִּ֣יל to flow
Strong's: H5140
Word #: 7 of 12
to drip, or shed by trickling
לָ֑מוֹ H0
לָ֑מוֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 12
וַיִּ֨בְקַע for them he clave H1234
וַיִּ֨בְקַע for them he clave
Strong's: H1234
Word #: 9 of 12
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
צ֔וּר out of the rock H6697
צ֔וּר out of the rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
וַיָּזֻ֖בוּ gushed out H2100
וַיָּזֻ֖בוּ gushed out
Strong's: H2100
Word #: 11 of 12
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
מָֽיִם׃ also and the waters H4325
מָֽיִם׃ also and the waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 12 of 12
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Analysis & Commentary

They thirsted not when he led them through the deserts (וְלֹא צָמְאוּ בַּחֳרָבוֹת הוֹלִיכָם)—This recalls the first exodus when God provided water in wilderness. The verb holiqam (led them) emphasizes divine guidance through charavot (desert places, waste lands). Despite arid conditions, lo tsame'u (they thirsted not)—a miracle of provision. He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them—The verb hizil (caused to flow) recalls both Exodus 17:6 (Horeb) and Numbers 20:11 (Kadesh) where Moses struck rocks and water gushed forth.

He clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out (וַיִּבְקַע־צוּר וַיָּזֻבוּ מָיִם)—The verbs vayivqa (split, cleave) and vayazuvu (gushed, flowed) emphasize abundance. Paul interprets this typologically: 'that Rock was Christ' (1 Corinthians 10:4). The smitten rock represents Christ crucified, from whom living water flows to all who believe (John 7:37-39). Isaiah promises the second exodus (from Babylon) will mirror the first—God will supernaturally provide. This assures believers: God who provided yesterday will provide today. The same grace that sustained wilderness wanderings sustains present trials. Christ, the smitten Rock, eternally pours out Spirit-water for thirsty souls.

Historical Context

The historical exodus included miraculous water provision at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) and Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13). The rock at Horeb became proverbial for God's provision. When Isaiah prophesied Babylon's exile and return, he assured: just as God provided then, He'll provide now. The church fathers saw baptism and Eucharist prefigured here—water and blood from Christ's pierced side, spiritual provision for the New Covenant community.

Questions for Reflection

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