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Isaiah 21:14
ESV To the thirsty bring water; meet the fugitive with bread, O inhabitants of the land of Tema.
NIV bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.
NASB Bring water for the thirsty, You inhabitants of the land of Tema; Meet the fugitive with bread.
CSB Bring water for the thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema meet the refugees with food.
NLT O people of Tema, bring water to these thirsty people, food to these weary refugees.
KJV The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

What does Isaiah 21:14 mean?

The prophecy against Arabia describes the region suffering from extended conflicts between other nations. Isaiah has described the caravans of Dedanite merchants (Genesis 25:3) being forced to take refuge away from the open roads (Isaiah 21:13). Since they are unable to publicly travel to the oasis towns due to the risk of attack from Assyrians and others, they become desperately thirsty.

Isaiah calls on the people of the town of Tema, also in northwestern Arabia, to help. He asks for water and bread for the Dedanites. Scholars believe Tema to be the oasis city of Tayma. This city was situated at the intersection of three trade routes, making it a prosperous and highly desirable location. During times of conflict, it was often conquered and occupied or forced into tribute by foreign invaders.

Apparently, the people of Tema are, or would be, well enough off to go out into the dense growth and provide bread and water for these refugees on the run. Many people in the ancient Near East took the responsibility to provide for refugees very seriously.
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