Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God isn't just promising a future rescue; He's already initiating it, urging the people to "perceive" what's "springing forth" in their present reality. This verse highlights that God's transformative power isn't always a distant, dramatic event but can be subtly at work, creating paths and provision even amidst desolate circumstances.
This passage comes from a larger section of Isaiah that speaks to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. God is addressing their despair and reminding them of His power and faithfulness, contrasting His actions with the helplessness of idols. The immediate context is God's promise to deliver them from exile, a "new thing" that will be as miraculous as His past acts, like parting the Red Sea.
The future feels uncertain, but God is always on the move, bringing about something new. How can we discern His work?
Isaiah is painting a picture of God's active intervention in history. He declares, "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" This isn't a distant, abstract promise; it's something happening now, in the present moment, even if it's just starting. The Hebrew word translated "springs forth" suggests a bud opening or a plant sprouting. It’s the beginning of something life-giving and unexpected, emerging from what seems barren. God wants His people to be attentive, to look for these signs of His unfolding plan, even when they don't fully grasp them yet.
When life feels like a barren wilderness, where is the path forward? God promises to create it.
The imagery of a "way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" speaks to God's power to overcome the impossible. These aren't just metaphors for a physical journey; they represent God's ability to bring life, provision, and direction to situations that seem utterly hopeless. Think of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt – God parted the Red Sea and provided water in the desert. Here, God is promising something even more profound: He will make a way where there is no way and create sustenance where there is nothing. This speaks to His faithfulness and His ability to bring about deliverance and flourishing, even in the most desolate circumstances of our lives.
Understand the original words
chadash · Hebrew Adjective
To bring into existence something entirely fresh or a new manifestation of God's redemptive power, distinct from but built upon the foundation of His past acts.
midbar · Hebrew Noun
An uncultivated, desolate, or uninhabited place often used in Scripture as a place of testing, refuge, and the site of God’s miraculous provision for His people.
This verse speaks of a miraculous return from Babylonian exile, a 'new thing' for Israel. It paints a picture of God making the impossible possible, providing paths through desolate lands and water in deserts, reflecting the exiles' hope for a safe and well-provided journey home, reminiscent of the Exodus from Egypt but even more wondrous.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Isaiah prophesied Jerusalem's inviolability during the Assyrian siege, a prophecy fulfilled by a miraculous deliverance. This event shaped the confidence in Zion's security for later generations.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Campaign
Nebuchadnezzar defeated Pharaoh Necho at Carchemish, marking the rise of Babylon and the subjugation of Judah. This event initiated Judah's decline towards exile.
598 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, deporting the royal family and many prominent citizens to Babylon. This marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile for a significant portion of the Jewish elite.
587 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, culminating the Babylonian conquest and completing the exile. This event marked the end of the Davidic monarchy and the scattering of the Jewish people.
This passage also speaks of God revealing 'new things' before they happen, setting a precedent for the 'new thing' in Isaiah 43:19.
Jeremiah 31:22This verse speaks of God creating 'a new thing' on the earth, a concept echoed in Isaiah 43:19, suggesting a transformative, life-giving act of God.
Psalm 78:15-16This psalm recounts God making rivers flow from a rock for His people in the wilderness, paralleling the imagery of making rivers in the desert in Isaiah 43:19 and highlighting God's provision in desolate places.
John 1:14The concept of God 'making a way' and bringing new life is fulfilled in the incarnation, where the Word 'became flesh and dwelt among us,' bringing God's presence and newness into the world.
Revelation 21:5This future promise of God making 'all things new' echoes the sentiment of Isaiah 43:19, pointing towards a complete restoration and renewal that surpasses even the miraculous provision in the desert.
cambridgeIsaiah 43:19: "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
19 . The making of the way through the desert and water for the pilgrims to drink (See on ch. Isaiah 40:3 f., Isaiah 41:18 ff.) is considered to be a miracle transcending the passage of the Red Sea, and all the miracles which attended the first exodus. This is the new thing on which the prophet’s mind fastens as the symbol of Israel’…
pulpitIsaiah 43:19: "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
Verse 19. - Behold, I will do a new thing (comp. Isaiah 42:9, with the comment). It is, of course, quite possible that the novelty is not merely in the circumstances of the deliverance, but extends to all its results, among which is the Messianic kingdom - verily, a "new thing" (see Jeremiah 31:22). Now it shall spring forth; rather,…
God isn't just promising a future rescue; He's already initiating it, urging the people to "perceive" what's "springing forth" in their present reality. This verse highlights that God's transformative power isn't always a distant, dramatic event but can be subtly at work, creating paths and provision even amidst desolate circumstances.
This passage comes from a larger section of Isaiah that speaks to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. God is addressing their despair and reminding them of His power and faithfulness, contrasting His actions with the helplessness of idols. The immediate context is God's promise to deliver them from exile, a "new thing" that will be as miraculous as His past acts, like parting the Red Sea.
This passage comes from a larger section of Isaiah that speaks to the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon. God is addressing their despair and reminding them of His power and faithfulness, contrasting His actions with the helplessness of idols. The immediate context is God's promise to deliver them from exile, a "new thing" that will be as miraculous as His past acts, like parting the Red Sea.
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c. 550 BC
Cyrus the Great's Rise to Power
Cyrus of Persia began his conquests, eventually overthrowing the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His rise set the stage for the eventual return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
c. 540-539 BC— this verse
Cyrus Prepares to Invade Babylon
While Cyrus consolidated his empire and prepared for the conquest of Babylon, the prophet Isaiah delivered this message of hope and a "new thing" God was doing. The exiles were living in anticipation of their imminent release, with Cyrus seen as God's instrument.
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." — God isn't just promising a future rescue; He's already initiating it, urging the people to "perceive" what's "springing forth" in their present reality. This verse highlights that God's transformativ…
