Why does Isaiah 48:6–7 mention “new things” suddenly revealed, if God’s will or word is supposed to be consistent and unchanging?

Definition and Context of “New Things” in Isaiah 48:6–7

Isaiah 48:6–7 contains a striking statement that God is revealing “new things” to His people. Part of verse 6 in the Berean Standard Bible reads, “From now on I will tell you of new things, hidden things unknown to you,” and verse 7 continues, “They are created now, and not long ago.” These statements arise at a pivotal point in Isaiah’s prophecies, where the Lord declares He will act in ways His people have not anticipated. The larger context is God’s challenge to those in exile who had fallen into idolatry, trusting in other nations or false gods. Despite their rebellion, He reveals “new things” to emphasize His sovereignty and ensure His people attribute salvation to Him alone.

Across the biblical narrative, God’s will remains consistent and unchanging. However, this passage indicates He sometimes discloses fresh details of His plan to accomplish His unchanging will. These “new things” do not contradict what He has previously spoken; instead, they unfold further aspects of His eternal purpose.

Consistency of God’s Nature

Scripture elsewhere affirms the unchanging nature of God. Malachi 3:6 declares, “I the LORD do not change,” and Hebrews 13:8 echoes that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” This unwavering character includes His holiness, justice, love, and redemptive purpose.

Yet within that constancy, God employs a pattern of progressive revelation—introducing specific details of His plan at chosen times. For example, hints of redemption appear early in Genesis, but the fullness of salvation unfolds gradually in subsequent covenants and prophets. By the time of the New Testament, the revelation centers on the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Purpose Behind Introducing “New Things”

1. Refutation of Idolatry: In Isaiah 48, the people had grown complacent, sometimes crediting idols with triumphs that rightfully belonged to God. Foretelling unusual events that align with no idol or common expectation highlights the Lord’s complete control.

2. Demonstration of Sovereignty and Grace: By doing the unexpected—freeing His people from Babylonian exile, orchestrating events through unlikely means, and later culminating salvation in the Messiah—God demonstrates His supreme authority. He alone unfolds history.

3. Strengthening of Faith: Experiencing “new things” at decisive moments bolsters trust. When promises uniquely foretold by God come to pass, it assures believers of the reliability of His word. Isaiah 42:9 similarly states, “See, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things.”

Progressive Revelation Throughout Scripture

The pattern of continued unveiling can be seen in how the biblical story moves from creation to redemption:

- Old Testament Foreshadowing: Early promises (Genesis 3:15) foretell a coming Redeemer, but details remain cloaked until later prophets such as Isaiah.

- The New Covenant: Jeremiah and Ezekiel speak of a future covenant, culminating in Christ establishing the New Covenant in His blood.

- The Fullness in Christ: In the New Testament, “new things” (e.g., the inclusion of Gentiles, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers) become clear. They are consistent with God’s immovable saving plan and holiness, but revealed in stages.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Numerous biblical manuscripts, including portions of Isaiah from the Dead Sea Scrolls (e.g., 1QIsaa), confirm that Isaiah’s words about God declaring “new things” were penned long before their fulfillment. This textual consistency underscores that these revelations were genuine predictions rather than later additions. In the Scrolls, the core text of Isaiah 48 matches closely with what modern translations now render, supporting the continuity of these prophecies through the centuries.

Further archaeological discoveries affirm the historical context of Isaiah’s ministry under Assyrian expansion and eventual Babylonian dominance. The fact that Isaiah prophesies about events involving Babylon well in advance—and with exacting detail about God’s action—provides evidence for the divine origin of these “new things.”

Harmonizing an Unchanging Word with New Revelations

Because God is eternal and omniscient, He knows every unfolding event. Human perception experiences His plan piece by piece. The “new things” in Isaiah 48:6–7, therefore, do not reflect an alteration in God’s character but a fresh unveiling of an existing plan. As in other biblical instances—such as Daniel’s visions of empires, or the Book of Revelation’s glimpses into the future—God does not change. Rather, He graciously unseals new layers of understanding at the proper time.

The Unchanging Will of God Displayed in Redemptive History

This principle is pivotal in the broader redemptive narrative:

1. Exodus: God’s saving purpose in freeing Israel from Egypt points ahead to a greater salvation in the Messiah.

2. Exile and Return: Isaiah’s prophecies about Babylonian captivity and subsequent liberation exemplify how God orchestrates historical events for His people’s good.

3. Messiah’s Advent: Fulfilled prophecies in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew frequently cites the Old Testament) show that God’s new revelations perfectly align with the ancient promises.

4. The Church Era and Beyond: Further aspects, such as the global spread of the gospel, though unforeseen in detail by the exiles in Isaiah’s day, remain consistent with God’s redemptive desire to bless all nations.

Practical Implications

Believers who see “new things” unfold can rest confidently that they do not undermine prior truths. Instead, they reflect God’s faithfulness to His overarching will. Historic events, miraculous testimonies, and even personal experiences of divine guidance might be unexpected to human reasoning, yet they remain firmly rooted in the consistent character of God.

For those wrestling with Isaiah 48 in modern times, these passages offer assurance that God continues to work in fresh ways, though He Himself never changes. Every act of new revelation fits seamlessly into His eternal design.

Conclusion

Isaiah 48:6–7’s reference to “new things” highlights how an unchanging God can unveil aspects of His will at specific junctures in history. These revelations neither contradict His prior word nor suggest a contrariness in His nature. Instead, they demonstrate both His sovereignty over time and His meticulous plan of redemption. Archaeological confirmation of the text and historical fulfillments affirm that these prophetic declarations are trustworthy. While God’s purposes stand firm, He chooses to progressively disclose them, inviting His people into deeper awe, trust, and worship.