Isa 43:20, 45:4 | JFB | e4.org | 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 45:4

4. (See on Isa 41:8; Isa 43:14).

surnamed—that is, designated to carry out My design of restoring Judah (see on Isa 44:5; Isa 44:28; Isa 45:1). MAURER here, as in Isa 44:5, translates, "I have addressed thee by an honorable name."

hast not known me—previous to My calling thee to this office; after God's call, Cyrus did know Him in some degree (Ezr 1:1-3).