Isaiah 43:20
The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights God's profound care, extending even to the wild animals of the desert. Their "honor" isn't a conscious act of worship, but rather their survival and well-being are a testament to God's provision of water, which is primarily for His chosen people.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision concerning Israel's future restoration and God's enduring faithfulness. Following God's promises of redemption and protection from judgment (chapters 40-42), this verse appears within a section that emphasizes God's power to provide for His people, even in the most desolate circumstances. It’s a vivid image of God’s abundant care, assuring Israel that His provisions will be so ample that even wild creatures will benefit from the rivers He brings forth in the desert.
Even the wild animals of the desert will 'honor' God. How can creatures without words or understanding give honor to the Creator?
The verse paints a vivid picture of God's power to sustain life even in the most desolate places.
God's provision isn't just practical; it's a powerful demonstration of His divine nature. What makes His 'rivers in the desert' so significant?
This verse speaks to the miraculous nature of God's provision, highlighting His unique power and faithfulness.
Understand the original words
bachir · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Individuals or a group set apart and sovereignly selected by God for Himself, for the purpose of relationship, service, and witnessing to His glory.
This verse, speaking of water in the desert, evokes the arduous journey of the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile. The divine provision of water, even for desert animals, highlights God's care for His people, mirroring His promised guidance and sustenance through all hardships.
c. 701 BC
Jerusalem's Siege by Sennacherib
Isaiah prophesied Jerusalem's inviolability, and its deliverance from the Assyrian siege affirmed his credibility, marking a period of national confidence.
621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
King Josiah's religious reforms, prompted by the discovery of the Law, temporarily revived Judah's spiritual adherence.
609 BC
Battle of Megiddo and Josiah's Death
Josiah's death at Megiddo shattered Judah's confidence, leading to political instability and a return to idolatry.
605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Victory at Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar's victory established Babylonian dominance, leading to Judah's submission and the first deportation of exiles.
597 BC
This passage beautifully describes God providing water for the earth, which sustains all life, including wild animals, echoing the theme of God's provision for His people in barren lands.
Isaiah 35:6-7This verse directly parallels Isaiah 43:20 by describing water in the desert and rivers in the wasteland, specifically as a sign of God's redemption and His people's return.
Jeremiah 50:39-40This prophecy also speaks of the desolation of Babylon, likening it to the uninhabited places of the ancient past, which would become homes for desert creatures, reflecting the imagery of wild animals inhabiting a transformed land.
Ezekiel 47:8-10This passage describes a life-giving river flowing from the temple, bringing life to the desert and the sea, and notes that fish will fill its waters, symbolizing God's life-giving power reaching into desolate places.
Job 38:39-41This section of Job marvels at God's provision for the wild animals, asking who provides food for the lions and satisfies the desires of the young lions, highlighting God's care for all creation, even in harsh environments.
barnesIsaiah 43:20: "The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen."
The beast of the field shall honor me - The sense of this passage is plain, and the image is highly poetical and beautiful. God would pour such copious floods of waters through the waste sandy deserts to supply his people, that even the wild beasts would be sensible of his abundant goodness, and would break fo…
pulpitIsaiah 43:20: "The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen."
Verse 20. - The beast of the field shall honour me. The animal creation shall, participate in the benefits of the "new thing" introduced by the restoration of Israel, and in their dumb way shall show their gratitude. The dragons and the owls. The recent mention of the desert causes animals of the desert (Isai…
This verse highlights God's profound care, extending even to the wild animals of the desert. Their "honor" isn't a conscious act of worship, but rather their survival and well-being are a testament to God's provision of water, which is primarily for His chosen people.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision concerning Israel's future restoration and God's enduring faithfulness. Following God's promises of redemption and protection from judgment (chapters 40-42), this verse appears within a section that emphasizes God's power to provide for His people, even in the most desolate circumstances. It’s a vivid image of God’s abundant care, assuring Israel that His provisions will be so ample that even wild creatures will benefit from the rivers He brings forth in the desert.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision concerning Israel's future restoration and God's enduring faithfulness. Following God's promises of redemption and protection from judgment (chapters 40-42), this verse appears within a section that emphasizes God's power to provide for His people, even in the most desolate circumstances. It’s a vivid image of God’s abundant care, assuring Israel that His provisions will be so ample that even wild creatures will benefit from the rivers He brings forth in the desert.
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First Deportation to Babylon
The first major exile, including King Jehoiachin and key figures like Ezekiel, marked the beginning of Judah's Babylonian captivity.
587 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, completing the exile and scattering the remaining population to Babylon.
c. 550 BC— this verse
Cyrus the Great's Rise to Power
The prophecy in Isaiah 43:20, likely written during the Babylonian exile, speaks of God providing water in the desert, a powerful image of divine provision during the exiles' anticipated return to Zion.
"The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people," — This verse highlights God's profound care, extending even to the wild animals of the desert. Their "honor" isn't a conscious act of worship, but rather their survival and well-being are a testament t…
