Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Behold, I am about to do something new;God announces a work that will surpass Israel’s former deliverance from Egypt. The immediate fulfillment concerns the restoration of Judah from Babylonian exile, accomplished through God’s sovereign direction of history and the rise of Cyrus of Persia. Israel’s return would reveal that the Lord had not abandoned His covenant people. The promised renewal also anticipates the greater redemption accomplished through Christ, in whom believers become new creations. Isa 48:6 You have heard these things; look at them all.… even now it is coming. The deliverance had not yet occurred, but God’s purpose was already advancing. Exile did not cancel His promises to Abraham, David, or the nation of Israel. What appeared to be a long season of judgment and loss would give way to restoration at the time appointed by God. Hab 2:3 For the vision awaits an appointed time;… Do you not see it? Israel was called to recognize God’s hand at work before circumstances visibly changed. Faith receives God’s promise as certain because He alone declares the end from the beginning. Spiritual blindness would focus only on Babylon’s power, while faith would look to the Lord’s coming salvation. Mrk 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears do you not hear… Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness The image recalls the exodus, when God led Israel through the wilderness after bringing them out of Egypt. He would again lead His people through territory that seemed impassable and hostile, bringing exiles home from Babylon. God’s provision of a way also points forward to Christ, who is the way to the Father and leads His people through a fallen world toward their promised inheritance. Isa 40:3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD… and streams in the desert. Water in a dry land portrays God’s life-giving provision where human resources fail. As He supplied water from the rock for Israel in the wilderness, He would sustain the returning exiles and restore their land. The imagery finds its fullest spiritual fulfillment in Christ, who gives living water and grants the Holy Spirit to all who believe in Him. Isa 35:6-7 Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue… Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline. 2. God (Yahweh) The speaker in this verse, God is declaring His intention to bring about a new work for His people, demonstrating His sovereignty and power. 3. Wilderness Symbolically represents a place of desolation and difficulty, often used in Scripture to describe times of trial and testing. 4. Desert Similar to the wilderness, the desert is a place of barrenness and lack, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's provision. 5. Israel The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecy, representing God's chosen people who are in need of renewal and hope. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and CreativityGod is always at work, bringing about new things in His perfect timing. Trust in His ability to transform situations that seem barren or hopeless. Perception and Faith "Do you not see it?" challenges us to have spiritual eyes to perceive God's work. Cultivate a heart of faith that looks beyond current circumstances. Provision in Desolation God promises to provide a way and sustenance even in the most desolate places. Rely on His provision in times of personal wilderness. Hope and Renewal This verse offers hope for renewal and change. Embrace the new things God is doing in your life, even if they are not yet fully visible. Participation in God's Work Be open to participating in the new things God is doing. Seek His guidance on how you can be part of His transformative work in the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's situation enhance your interpretation of Isaiah 43:19?2. In what ways can you identify "wilderness" or "desert" experiences in your own life, and how does this verse encourage you? 3. How can you cultivate a mindset that is open to perceiving the new things God is doing around you? 4. Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How does this experience relate to the promise of streams in the desert? 5. How can the themes of renewal and new creation in Isaiah 43:19 inspire you to live out your faith in practical ways today? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14The crossing of the Red Sea is a foundational event where God made a way through the waters, paralleling the promise of making a way in the wilderness. Revelation 21:5 This verse speaks of God making all things new, echoing the theme of renewal and transformation found in Isaiah 43:19. John 7:38 Jesus speaks of living water flowing from within believers, connecting to the imagery of streams in the desert. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul writes about believers being a new creation in Christ, reflecting the newness God promises in Isaiah.
People Babylonians, Isaiah, Jacob, SebaPlaces Babylon, Cush, Egypt, Israel, Jerusalem, SebaTopics Aware, Behold, Desert, Desolate, Dry, Floods, Forth, Making, Note, Perceive, Rivers, Roadway, Spring, Springeth, Springs, Starting, Streams, Waste, Wasteland, Wilderness, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 43:19 4020 life, of faith 4909 beginning Library The Grace of GodTEXT: "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."--Isaiah 43:25. In looking over an old volume of Sermons preached by H. Grattan Guiness, forty-five years ago, I came across the message which he delivered with this text as a basis. So deep was the impression made upon me by my first reading of the sermon that I have taken Mr. Guiness' outline and ask your careful attention to its development. If one should enter a jewelry store and … J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot Thy Name: My Name February the Fourth Spiritual Buoyancy October the Eighth God's Glorious Purpose Forgiveness North and South Fire! Fire! Fire! Redeemed Souls Freed from Fear. How to Make Use of Christ for Steadfastness, in a Time when Truth is Oppressed and Borne Down. The Nature of Justification Means to be Used with Sinners. Mirrors of God Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel. A Call to Prayer and Testimony His Legacy. Epistle xxx. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . God's True Treasure in Man God's Works of Providence How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those who Lament Only Sins of Thought. Fifth Day. Holiness and Redemption. Links Isaiah 43:19 NIVIsaiah 43:19 NLT Isaiah 43:19 ESV Isaiah 43:19 NASB Isaiah 43:19 KJV Isaiah 43:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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