Isaiah 21:14

14 I told them to bring water for those who are thirsty. I also gave orders to those who live in Tema. I told them to bring food for those who are running away.

Isaiah 21:14 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 21:14

The inhabitants of the land of Tema
This country had its name from Tema, one of the sons of Ishmael, ( Genesis 25:15 ) . The Targum calls it the land of the south, as if it was Teman. These people were Arabians, and are here said to assist their countrymen, the Dedanites, in distress: brought water to him that was thirsty;
as travellers are wont to be, especially in a desert land, and when fleeing from an enemy; in which circumstances the travelling companies of Dedanim now were: they prevented with their bread him that fled;
gave it to him, being hungry and necessitous, without asking for it. Now all this seems to show what calamities should come upon the inhabitants of some parts of Arabia; that they should lodge in a forest, be hungry and thirsty, and flee before their enemy, as follows.

Isaiah 21:14 In-Context

12 The guard answers, "Morning is coming. But the night will return. If you want to ask again, come back and ask."

13 Here is a message the LORD gave me about Arabia. He told me to give orders to traders from Dedan. They were camping in the bushes of Arabia.

14 I told them to bring water for those who are thirsty. I also gave orders to those who live in Tema. I told them to bring food for those who are running away.

15 They are running away from where the fighting is heaviest. That's where the swords are ready to strike. That's where the bows are ready to shoot.

16 The Lord says to me, "In exactly one year, Kedar's grand show of power will come to an end.