I did know thee, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 2:7; Deuteronomy 8:15; Deuteronomy 32:10). Compare Amos 3:2. The Septuagint reads "I shepherded, or was shepherd to thee", reading re ithika instead of yeda tika: i.e. (Resh. R) for (Daleth. D).
the land of great drought. Compare Deuteronomy 8:15.