Isa 43:20, 44:3 | JFB | STEP | 20. beast —image of idolaters, defiled with blood and pollutions, dwelling like dragons, &c., in the wastes of Gentile ignorance: even they shall be converted. Or else, literally, such copious floods of water shall be given by God in the desert, that the very beasts shall (in poetic language) praise the Lord ( ) [JEROME ]. dragons —"serpents," or else jackals (see on ). owls

Isaiah 43:20

20. beast—image of idolaters, defiled with blood and pollutions, dwelling like dragons, &c., in the wastes of Gentile ignorance: even they shall be converted. Or else, literally, such copious floods of water shall be given by God in the desert, that the very beasts shall (in poetic language) praise the Lord (Ps 148:10) [JEROME].

dragons—"serpents," or else jackals (see on Isa 13:22).

owls—rather, "ostriches."

Isaiah 44:3

3. (Isa 41:18).

him . . . thirsty—rather, "the land" (Isa 35:6, 7), figuratively for man thirsting after righteousness (Mt 5:6).

floods—the abundant influences of the Holy Spirit, stronger than "water."

spirit—including all spiritual and temporal gifts, as the parallel, "blessing," proves (Isa 11:2; 32:15).

seed— (Isa 59:21).