What "new things" might God be revealing to us in Isaiah 48:6? Setting the Scene in Isaiah 48 Israel has been stubborn, clinging to idols even after centuries of God’s faithfulness. Verses 3–5 rehearse how the LORD foretold earlier events and fulfilled them, leaving His people without excuse. Now, in verse 6, He announces a fresh wave of revelation: “You have heard; look at all this. And will you not declare it? From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you.” (Isaiah 48:6) Why God Can Speak of “New Things” • “New” does not mean contradictory; it means previously undisclosed. • He alone controls history, so He alone can unveil what no one else could guess (Isaiah 46:9-10). • The new word builds on the old, expanding the story of redemption without changing its foundation. Immediate Fulfillment: Release from Babylon • Isaiah prophesies long before Judah falls, yet God already foresees their captivity (Isaiah 39:6-7). • The “new thing” includes naming Cyrus as the future liberator (Isaiah 44:28 – 45:1) more than a century in advance. • When Cyrus issues his decree (Ezra 1:1-4), Israel tangibly experiences the accuracy of Isaiah 48:6. Ultimate Fulfillment: The Promised Messiah • Isaiah soon shifts from national rescue to a Servant who brings eternal salvation (Isaiah 49:6; 52:13-53:12). • The incarnation, cross, and resurrection of Jesus are the pinnacle of the hidden plan now unveiled (Romans 16:25-26; 1 Peter 1:10-12). • What was “unknown” to eighth-century Judah becomes flesh and blood in first-century Palestine (John 1:14). Expanding Mercy to the Nations • The Servant is “a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), fulfilling God’s oath to bless all families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). • Gentile inclusion in the church embodies this new horizon (Acts 13:47; Ephesians 3:6). The New Covenant Written on Hearts • Isaiah hints at a people freed from blindness and deafness (Isaiah 42:7, 18-19). • Jeremiah and Ezekiel echo the theme: “I will put My law within them” (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27). • Jesus institutes this covenant with His blood (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6-13). The Coming New Creation • Isaiah later hears, “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22). • The apostle John sees the same glory: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1-5; 2 Peter 3:13). Purposes Behind Revealing the New • To silence idolatry—no carved image can predict history (Isaiah 48:5). • To invite His people to declare His works (“will you not declare it?” v. 6). • To steady faith; fulfilled prophecy proves His Word trustworthy (Joshua 23:14). • To prepare hearts for the Savior and the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:16-17). • To kindle hope for ultimate restoration. Living in Light of the New Things • Celebrate fulfilled prophecy as evidence that every promise will stand. • Tell the story—God intended these revelations to be proclaimed, not hidden. • Walk in the Spirit, enjoying the law written on the heart rather than on stone. • Fix hope on the new creation, where the plan begun in Isaiah 48:6 reaches perfect completion. |
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