Isaiah 44:27

27 that saith to the deep, `Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers';

Isaiah 44:27 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 44:27

That saith to the deep, be dry
The Targum is,

``that saith to Babylon, be desolate;''

and most interpreters, Jewish and Christian, understand it of Babylon, which was situated in a watery place, by rivers of water, particularly the river Euphrates, and in a low valley: and I will dry up thy rivers;
some think the allusion is to the stratagem of Cyrus, made use of, under a divine direction, to drain the river Euphrates, and make it passable for his army; by which means he surprised the city of Babylon, and took it: though others think it refers to the drying up of the Red sea and the river Jordan, which are proofs of what God can do, and a periphrasis of his power.

Isaiah 44:27 In-Context

25 that frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad, that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

26 that confirmeth the word of His servant, and performeth the counsel of His messengers, that saith to Jerusalem, `Thou shalt be inhabited,' and to the cities of Judah, `Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof';

27 that saith to the deep, `Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers';

28 that saith of Cyrus, `He is My shepherd and shall perform all My pleasure,' even saying to Jerusalem, `Thou shalt be built,' and to the temple, `Thy foundation shall be laid.'