Isaiah 43:18–19

Commentary on Isaiah 43:18–19, drawing both on the immediate context of Isaiah 43 and the broader themes that persist through the New Testament.

This commentary highlights the teaching that believers are called to release the weight of past failures and miseries in order to embrace the new, redemptive work of God—a work that is both transformative and sovereign in nature.

Isaiah 43:18-19 New King James Version

18 “Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.

1. Context and Immediate Setting

In Isaiah 43, the prophet addresses God’s people at a time of profound crisis and exile. The passage leading up to verses 18–19 recounts God’s historical acts of deliverance, particularly recalling the miraculous rescue from Egypt and the subsequent signs of salvation in the wilderness. The call in verses 18–19—“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…”—signals a decisive break from past sufferings and failures. For the exiled Israelites, this was an invitation to cast off the chains of recollection that could otherwise impede their hope for future restoration. This backdrop is significant because it emphasises that God’s redemptive plan is not confined to a particular historical moment; rather, it unfolds continuously according to His sovereign will.

2. Theological Themes

a. Sovereignty and New Creation

Christian theology places a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God. Isaiah’s declaration that God will “do a new thing” encapsulates this idea. The “new thing” is ultimately realised through the person and work of Jesus Christ—the fulfilment of the promise of redemption. The imagery of making “a road in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” symbolises God’s power to bring life, order, and hope where there seems to be none. This speaks directly to the transformation in the hearts of believers: a regeneration that brings about a completely renewed way of being, quite apart from any past failure.

b. Call to Renewal and Repentance

While the admonition in verse 18 might be read as a command to forget the past, scholars have long held that it is not a call to ignore history but rather to let go of the guilt, ongoing regret, and despair that can bind us to our previous states of sin and brokenness. Instead, believers are urged to live in the light of new mercies, secured through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This teaching aligns with the doctrines of justification by faith and sanctification by grace. The past is neither condemned nor glorified—it is redeemed and transformed into a testimony of God’s mercy. Isaiah’s words, therefore, invite Christians to reflect on their history not with bondage, but with gratitude for the continuous process of renewal that God provides.

c. The Presence of the Holy Spirit

The transformative power of the “new thing” is closely associated with the indwelling and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables believers to cast off the old self and live in accordance with the renewed nature forged in Christ. The imagery of paths being cleared even in the wilderness represents not just circumstantial change but the inner work of the Spirit that leads to a radical reordering of priorities and values. This is a call to actively cooperate with divine grace, trusting that God’s providence will carve out channels of mercy even in desolate spiritual landscapes.

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3. Application to Modern Christian Living

For the modern Christian, Isaiah 43:18–19 is as relevant now as it was to the weary Israelites in exile. Here are some key applications:

• Letting Go of Past Failures:
  Many Christians struggle with regrets over past sins or failures. Isaiah’s exhortation challenges believers to cease being defined by their previous mistakes. Instead, they are encouraged to look forward, trusting that God’s work in their lives is ongoing. This release of the past is not a denial of history but an acknowledgment that, in Christ, the believer has been made new.
• Embracing God’s Continuing Work:
  The promise that God is doing “a new thing” invites a posture of expectancy and active engagement. Whether in ministry, personal relationships, or community service, modern believers can see each day as an opportunity to witness and participate in God’s redemptive activities. This perspective fosters hope even in difficult circumstances, reflecting the emphasis on God’s immutable purpose and active providence.
• Creation of New Pathways in Desolation:
  Just as God declared His power to make “roads in the wilderness and rivers in the desert,” believers today are reminded that divine guidance can transform even the most barren areas of life—be it in personal trials, societal challenges, or spiritual drought. This teaching reassures Christians that the paths of life are never beyond the reach of God’s designing hand, and it calls them to trust in His ability to provide and renew consistently.

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4. Teaching from Isaiah 43:18–19

The central teaching of Isaiah 43:18–19 is a call to radical renewal—both personal and corporate—by releasing the grip of past failures, disappointments, and stagnation. This teaching is understood to be intimately linked with the doctrine of regeneration. It emphasises that:

• God’s Redemptive Work Is Ongoing:
  God’s promise of a “new thing” is a dynamic declaration that His work of salvation and transformation continues unabated, regardless of the past.
• Renewal Requires a Heart Transformed by Grace:
  Just as historically the Israelites were called to leave behind their old ways, so too are modern believers called to embrace a life reinvigorated by the grace of Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Hope and Expectancy in God’s Faithfulness:
  This passage encourages believers to focus not on what has been lost or broken but on the incredible future that God promises, a future characterised by divine intervention, restoration, and everlasting hope.

Such teaching challenges Christians to continually renew their minds (Romans 12:2) and to live in the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s sovereign and redemptive plan—a plan that is ever new and always sufficient.

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5. Conclusion

Isaiah 43:18–19 is a powerful reminder that the past, with all its accompanying sorrows and failures, is not a chain to hold us back. Instead, it is the foundation upon which God builds a renewed creation in the life of the believer. Through His sovereign power and unceasing grace, God calls His people to step forward into a future where every wilderness is transformed by His presence, and every desert is watered with the hope of new life. This timeless message continues to resonate with modern Christians, inviting them to trust in a God who is forever at work, forging new paths even when the road seems uncertain.

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This commentary not only unwraps the immediate prophetic call to forget the past in favour of God’s promise but also invites modern Christians to live in the vibrant hope of ongoing transformation.