Isaiah 21:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 21:14
14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 21 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, love, grace. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-17: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 21:14
14 The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.
Analysis
'The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.' Tema (another Arabian tribe, also descended from Abraham through Keturah, Genesis 25:15) shows mercy to refugees—providing water and bread to fleeing Dedanites. This humanitarian response demonstrates covenant values (hospitality to strangers, care for refugees) appearing even outside Israel. The phrase 'they prevented' (met/anticipated needs) indicates proactive compassion, not mere reactive charity. This models proper response to displaced persons: meeting basic needs (water, bread) for those fleeing judgment. Reformed ethics emphasizes such practical compassion as fruit of genuine faith—orthodoxy must produce orthopraxy. The passage doesn't commend Tema merely for compassion but records it as observable fact—even in judgment contexts, mercy appears through those who act compassionately.
Historical Context
Arabian tribal culture included hospitality codes—providing for travelers and refugees was obligatory honor. This cultural value reflected creation ordinances about human dignity and mutual care, even where biblical revelation wasn't known. Common grace enables pagan cultures to practice genuine virtue, though incompletely and inconsistently. Historically, during Assyrian and Babylonian campaigns, displaced Arabian tribes did seek refuge among related tribes. These migrations are documented in various ancient records. The pattern continues throughout history: wars and judgments create refugee crises, and humanitarian responses emerge from various sources. Christian ethics, rooted in imago Dei, calls believers to compassionate response to refugees, regardless of cause or origin of their displacement. Tema's example models such proactive compassion.
Reflection
- What does Tema's compassion teach about virtue appearing even outside biblical covenant community?
- How should believers respond to modern refugee crises in light of this example?
- What is the relationship between orthodox belief and orthopraxy (right practice) regarding compassion?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 25:15, Job 6:19, Proverbs 25:21, Romans 12:20