Isa 21:13-17 | JFB | STEP | 13. upon —that is, respecting. forest —not a grove of trees, but a region of thick underwood, rugged and inaccessible; for Arabia has no forest of trees. travelling companies —caravans: ye shall be driven through fear of the foe to unfrequented routes ( is parallel to this passage). Dedanim —In North Arabia ( ; a different "Dedan" occurs ).

Isaiah 21:13-17

13. upon—that is, respecting.

forest—not a grove of trees, but a region of thick underwood, rugged and inaccessible; for Arabia has no forest of trees.

travelling companies—caravans: ye shall be driven through fear of the foe to unfrequented routes (Isa 33:8; Jud 5:6; Jer 49:8 is parallel to this passage).

Dedanim—In North Arabia (Ge 25:3; Jer 25:23; Eze 25:13; 27:20; a different "Dedan" occurs Ge 10:7).

14. Tema—a kindred tribe: an oasis in that region (Jer 25:23). The Temeans give water to the faint and thirsting Dedanites; the greatest act of hospitality in the burning lands of the East, where water is so scarce.

prevented—that is, anticipated the wants of the fugitive Dedanites by supplying bread (Ge 14:18).

their bread—rather, "his (the fugitive's) bread"; the bread due to him, necessary for his support; so "thy grave" (Isa 14:19), [MAURER].

15. they—the fugitive Dedanites and other Arabs.

16. years of . . . hireling—(See on Isa 16:14).

Kedar—a wandering tribe (Ps 120:5). North of Arabia-Petræa, and south of Arabia-Deserta; put for Arabia in general.

17. residue . . . diminished—The remnant of Arab warriors, famous in the bow, left after the invasion, shall be small.