Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about God opening the Red Sea for Israel; it's a declaration that God always makes a way, even through the most impossible situations. It’s a reminder that the Red Sea crossing wasn't a one-time miracle but the consistent character of God, who carves paths where none exist.
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage begins a powerful new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting from comforting the exiles in Babylon to announcing their future liberation. It uses the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea as a metaphor for God's powerful intervention to bring His people back to their homeland. The verses that follow will detail this coming restoration, likening it to a new exodus, and emphasizing God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people.
Think about the most impossible barriers you’ve faced. Isaiah 43:16 speaks of God forging a path where none existed. How does this imagery of water-parting power speak to us today?
This verse vividly recalls the Exodus, when God parted the Red Sea for Israel.
A Path Where There Was None
Echoes of Deliverance
Sometimes, the greatest comfort comes not just from God's power, but from His unwavering dedication to us. How does this verse reveal God's deep commitment to His people?
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The phrase 'Thus says the LORD' isn't just an introduction; it's a divine seal of authenticity on the promise that follows.
Divine Initiative and Purpose
A Foundation for Hope
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, YHWH, revealing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and holiness. It is the name by which He makes Himself known to His people.
derek · Hebrew Noun
In a biblical context, a 'way' refers not only to a path but to the course of life, divine guidance, or the sovereign act of God creating a method of salvation or deliverance for His people.
The prophet Isaiah vividly recalls God's past deliverance of Israel by parting the Red Sea for their ancestors, reminding them of His power to perform new, equally miraculous acts, such as enabling their return from Babylonian exile. This powerful imagery underscores God's faithfulness and ability to create a path even when all seems impossible, a message of hope for a people facing profound despair.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Under King Hezekiah, Jerusalem was miraculously spared from the Assyrian army led by Sennacherib, a significant event that bolstered faith in God's protection of Zion.
621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During Josiah's reign, the Book of the Law was found and led to a religious reformation, reinforcing the covenant and national identity before the decline.
609 BC
Battle of Megiddo and Death of Josiah
King Josiah was killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho, a devastating blow that led to political instability and a return to idolatry.
598 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquered Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the population, including the prophet Ezekiel.
587 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, completing the second deportation and marking the end of the Davidic monarchy.
c. 555-539 BC— this verse
Cyrus the Great's Campaigns
Cyrus began his conquests, notably defeating the Lydians and preparing to invade Babylon. This period is when the prophecy likely took shape, with Cyrus's rise already evident but his final victory not yet achieved.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Cyrus
Babylon fell to Cyrus the Great, leading to the end of the Babylonian exile and the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem.
This passage directly mirrors the imagery of Isaiah 43:16, describing God's miraculous parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites, establishing a historical precedent for God making a way through impossible obstacles.
Psalm 77:19This Psalm recounts the Exodus event, emphasizing God's power displayed in the sea and His paths through deep waters, reinforcing the theme of God's sovereign control over natural forces for His people's deliverance.
Nehemiah 9:11This verse references the Red Sea crossing, acknowledging God's mighty acts 'in the great waters' and connecting it to His overall faithfulness and deliverance of Israel.
Isaiah 48:18While this passage focuses on God's desire for obedience and the peace that comes from it, it also speaks of God's powerful, river-like blessings, echoing the theme of divine provision through difficult terrains, albeit with a different emphasis.
barnesIsaiah 43:16: "Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;"
Thus saith the Lord - This verse contains a reference to the deliverance from Egyptian servitude - the great storehouse of argument and illustration with the sacred writers; the standing demonstration of God's merciful interposition in behalf of their nation, and proof that he was their God. Which maketh - Whose characteristic it is to open a path of safety for his people even when deep and rapi…
cambridgeIsaiah 43:16: "Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;"
16 . Thus saith the Lord ] The oracle itself begins at Isaiah 43:18 ; it is prefaced in Isaiah 43:16 f. by a vivid description of the mighty power of Jehovah, as illustrated once for all at the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14 f.). in the mighty waters ] Cf. Nehemiah 9:11 . 16–21 . The sequel to the overthrow of Babylon is the deliverance of Israel, the method of which is compared with the gre…
This verse isn't just about God opening the Red Sea for Israel; it's a declaration that God always makes a way, even through the most impossible situations. It’s a reminder that the Red Sea crossing wasn't a one-time miracle but the consistent character of God, who carves paths where none exist.
This passage begins a powerful new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting from comforting the exiles in Babylon to announcing their future liberation. It uses the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea as a metaphor for God's powerful intervention to bring His people back to their homeland. The verses that follow will detail this coming restoration, likening it to a new exodus, and emphasizing God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people.
This passage begins a powerful new section of Isaiah's prophecy, shifting from comforting the exiles in Babylon to announcing their future liberation. It uses the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea as a metaphor for God's powerful intervention to bring His people back to their homeland. The verses that follow will detail this coming restoration, likening it to a new exodus, and emphasizing God's ability to overcome any obstacle for His people.
"Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters," — This verse isn't just about God opening the Red Sea for Israel; it's a declaration that God always makes a way, even through the most impossible situations. It’s a reminder that the Red Sea crossin…
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Last reviewed October 2026