Isaiah 43:16-17
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This verse powerfully connects God's past miraculous act of parting the Red Sea to a future, even greater act of deliverance. It's not just about remembering a historical event; it's about God establishing His identity as the one who always makes a way, even through seemingly impossible obstacles. This should stir hope that the same God who defeated an empire in the sea will again overcome the barriers before us.
Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger prophecy from Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. It begins with God reminding them of His past mighty acts of deliverance, specifically the parting of the Red Sea, to build confidence for a future, even greater act of rescue. This verse serves as a prelude to the promise of a new exodus, emphasizing God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for His people's sake.
Life can feel like an impassable ocean, full of overwhelming challenges. But this verse reminds us that our God is the ultimate path-maker.
Isaiah is speaking to a people facing immense difficulties, likely the Babylonian exile. The Lord is reminding them of His power, specifically His ability to create a way through impossible situations.
Divine Intervention
This isn't just a poetic image; it's a direct reference to God's past actions. He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, creating a dry path through a vast body of water.
A Pattern of Power
This act wasn't a one-off event. The Lord declares, 'Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea...' The present tense indicates this is His ongoing characteristic. He doesn't just once make a way; it is what He does. This speaks to His consistent power to overcome obstacles for His people.
The verse doesn't just point to the past; it sets the stage for future, equally miraculous interventions.
The immediate context for Isaiah 43:16 is the promise of the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile. While the Red Sea crossing was a mighty act of deliverance, God assures them He will do a new thing.
A New Way
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Isaiah 43:19 directly follows this, stating, 'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, you need not know it. I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.'
Overcoming All Obstacles
This shows God's power isn't limited to water. He can create pathways even where none exist—in the barren wilderness. This signifies that no matter the form of the obstacle—be it an impassable sea or a desolate desert—God has the power to provide a way forward for His people.
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.
This verse echoes God's miraculous deliverance of Israel through the Red Sea, reminding the people of His power and faithfulness. It serves as a powerful assurance that God, who parted the sea for their ancestors, will now create a new path for their return from Babylonian exile, just as Cyrus the Great was rising to power.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem Relieved
Under King Hezekiah, Jerusalem miraculously survived a siege by the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. This event solidified the belief in Jerusalem's inviolability for generations.
621 BC
Discovery of the Book of the Law
During King Josiah's reign, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple, leading to a religious reformation and a national covenant renewal.
609 BC
Battle of Megiddo and Josiah's Death
King Josiah was killed in battle against Pharaoh Necho of Egypt. This event shattered the nation's confidence and led to a period of political instability and spiritual decline.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquered Jerusalem and took a significant portion of the population, including the royal family and skilled craftsmen, into exile.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
Jerusalem was destroyed, the Temple was burned, and a larger group of Judeans were exiled to Babylon, marking the completion of the Babylonian Captivity.
c. 550-539 BC— this verse
Cyrus the Great's Rise and Campaigns
Cyrus began his conquests, laying the groundwork for the Persian Empire. His military successes created anticipation among the exiles for their return to Judah.
This verse directly echoes the miraculous parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites, establishing God's power to create paths through impossible obstacles.
Psalm 77:19This psalm reflects on God's past powerful acts, including making a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters, similar to the imagery in Isaiah.
Nehemiah 9:11This passage recalls God's mighty acts for Israel, specifically mentioning dividing the sea and making a path through its waters, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds.
Isaiah 41:18This verse speaks of God making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, paralleling the Isaiah 43:16 theme of God providing paths and sustenance in desolate places, a 'new thing' compared to the Red Sea crossing.
Joshua 3:16This verse recounts the parting of the Jordan River for Israel to cross, demonstrating God's power to create paths through water for His people, similar to the Red Sea and Isaiah's imagery.
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 powerfully connects God's past miraculous act of parting the Red Sea to a future, even greater act of deliverance. It's not just about remembering a historical event; it's about God establishing His identity as the one who always makes a way, even through seemingly impossible obstacles. This should stir hope that the same God who defeated an empire in the sea will again overcome the barriers before us.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy from Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. It begins with God reminding them of His past mighty acts of deliverance, specifically the parting of the Red Sea, to build confidence for a future, even greater act of rescue. This verse serves as a prelude to the promise of a new exodus, emphasizing God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for His people's sake.
This passage is part of a larger prophecy from Isaiah, speaking to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. It begins with God reminding them of His past mighty acts of deliverance, specifically the parting of the Red Sea, to build confidence for a future, even greater act of rescue. This verse serves as a prelude to the promise of a new exodus, emphasizing God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for His people's sake.
"Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a…" — This verse powerfully connects God's past miraculous act of parting the Red Sea to a future, even greater act of deliverance. It's not just about remembering a historical event; it's about God establ…
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Last reviewed October 2026
