Isaiah 41:17

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

(When) the poor and needy - primarily the exiles in Babylon.

Seek water - fig., refreshment, prosperity after their affliction. The language is so constructed as only very partially to apply to the local and temporary event of the restoration from Babylon; but fully to be realized in the waters of life and of the Spirit under the Gospel (; ; John 7:37; ). God performed no miracles that we read of, in any wilderness, during the return from Babylon.

And their tongue faileth - is rigid or parched (Horsley).