Isaiah 48:6
“You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse emphasizes that God's "new things" aren't just novelties, but deeply hidden truths that humanity, even with its own wisdom, couldn't uncover on its own. It challenges us to consider what "hidden things" God might be revealing now that we've missed due to our own understanding or preconceptions.
God is rebuking Israel for their persistent disobedience and hypocrisy, reminding them that despite their claims of loyalty, their actions show otherwise. He contrasts His past faithfulness, evidenced by fulfilled prophecies, with their ongoing distrust, preparing to reveal "new things" – specifically, the future deliverance from Babylonian exile by Cyrus, which they could not have known or predicted on their own.
God's words aren't just to be heard; they're meant to be experienced. He calls His people to witness the incredible unfolding of His plans.
Isaiah 48:6 begins with a powerful invitation: 'You have heard; now see all this.' This isn't just about passively listening to a prophecy; it's an active call to observe its fulfillment. God is saying, 'You heard my words about the future, now open your eyes and witness how they are coming to pass.' This transition from hearing to seeing emphasizes the tangible reality of God's promises. He wants His people to be convinced not just by words, but by the undeniable evidence of history unfolding according to His decree. This also implies a responsibility: 'and will you not declare it?' Those who witness these fulfilled prophecies are called to be His heralds, proclaiming His faithfulness and power.
God isn't limited to the past. He continually introduces 'new things,' unveiling mysteries that were previously unknown.
The verse continues, 'From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known.' This speaks to God's dynamic and ongoing work in history. The 'new thing' here specifically refers to God's surprising plan to deliver Israel from Babylonian exile, a plan that wasn't hinted at in previous prophecies. It was a revelation that would have been impossible for human wisdom to predict. These 'hidden things' are divine secrets, unveiled only by God Himself. This highlights God's sovereignty; He reveals what and when He chooses, demonstrating that His ways are beyond human comprehension. This also implies that God's redemptive plan is not static but unfolds progressively, with each new revelation building upon the last and pointing towards even greater future realities.
Understand the original words
haggadti · Hebrew Verb
To make known, proclaim, or tell a message, often referring to God's revelation of His plan or truth to His people. In a biblical context, it implies an authoritative declaration.
netsuroth · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Things that are kept secret, hidden from sight, or not yet revealed. Biblically, it often refers to God's sovereign purposes and future plans that He chooses to disclose to His servants.
This prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, speaking to a people who had witnessed the destruction of their nation and Temple. God is presenting a 'new thing' – their imminent return and restoration under Cyrus the Great – a future event that would demonstrate His unique power over the pagan gods who could not predict or effect such a change.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Under Sennacherib, the Assyrian army invades Judah, captures many cities, and besieges Jerusalem. This event highlights the vulnerability of Judah and the power of foreign empires, setting a backdrop for prophecies about future exiles and returns.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile, a period of profound crisis for Judah.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylon conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, and deports a large portion of the population. This is the culmination of the Babylonian threat and the low point of Israel's history.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great unites the Medes and Persians, establishing the Persian Empire and preparing to challenge the Babylonian hegemony.
This passage also calls Israel God's witnesses, directly paralleling the call to 'declare it' in Isaiah 48:6, emphasizing their role in testifying to God's power and truth.
Isaiah 42:9This verse speaks of God announcing 'former things' and declaring 'new things,' which echoes the theme in Isaiah 48:6 about God revealing both past predictions and future, hidden events.
Jeremiah 29:11While Isaiah 48:6 focuses on God revealing hidden plans, Jeremiah 29:11 assures the exiles that God's plans for them are for welfare and a future with hope, linking to the idea of God unveiling His intentions.
Romans 16:25-26This New Testament passage speaks of a 'mystery hidden for ages' that is now revealed through prophetic scriptures, paralleling Isaiah 48:6's mention of 'hidden things that you have not known' being made known.
barnesIsaiah 48:6: "Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them."
Thou hast heard - You are witnesses that the prediction was uttered long before it was fulfilled. See all this - Behold how it is all fulfilled. Bear witness that the event is as it was predicted. And will ye not declare it? - Will you not bear witness to the entire fulfillment of the prophecy? God appeals to them as qualified…
bensonIsaiah 48:6: "Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them."
Isaiah 48:6-8 . Thou hast heard, see all this — As thou hast heard all these things, from time to time, seriously consider them. And will not ye declare it — I call you to witness: must you not be forced to acknowledge the truth of what I say? I have showed thee new things from this time — And I have now given thee new predicti…
This verse emphasizes that God's "new things" aren't just novelties, but deeply hidden truths that humanity, even with its own wisdom, couldn't uncover on its own. It challenges us to consider what "hidden things" God might be revealing now that we've missed due to our own understanding or preconceptions.
God is rebuking Israel for their persistent disobedience and hypocrisy, reminding them that despite their claims of loyalty, their actions show otherwise. He contrasts His past faithfulness, evidenced by fulfilled prophecies, with their ongoing distrust, preparing to reveal "new things" – specifically, the future deliverance from Babylonian exile by Cyrus, which they could not have known or predicted on their own.
God is rebuking Israel for their persistent disobedience and hypocrisy, reminding them that despite their claims of loyalty, their actions show otherwise. He contrasts His past faithfulness, evidenced by fulfilled prophecies, with their ongoing distrust, preparing to reveal "new things" – specifically, the future deliverance from Babylonian exile by Cyrus, which they could not have known or predicted on their own.
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539 BC— this verse
Fall of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, marking the end of Babylonian rule and the beginning of Persian dominance over the region.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return of Exiles
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This event fulfills prophecies and marks the beginning of the return period.
"“You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known." — This verse emphasizes that God's "new things" aren't just novelties, but deeply hidden truths that humanity, even with its own wisdom, couldn't uncover on its own. It challenges us to consider what "…
