Isaiah 43:18–19

Commentary on Isaiah 43:18–19

The Text (King James Version)

Isaiah 43:18–19
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
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.”

1. Setting Isaiah 43 in Context

Isaiah 43[i] sits within a larger section of Isaiah (chapters 40–55) often called the “Book of Comfort.” Here the Lord speaks tenderly to His covenant people, Israel, who will face exile in Babylon. The chapter is full of reassurance, covenant promises, and reminders of God’s sovereign power to redeem.

Earlier in the chapter, God declares:

Isaiah 43:1
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

This sets the tone: God is not merely comforting Israel; He is grounding their hope in His character, His covenant, and His redeeming work.

2. Exegetical Commentary on Isaiah 43:18–19

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.”

God is not telling His people to forget His past works. Scripture repeatedly calls Israel to remember God’s mighty acts, such as the Exodus. Instead, the Lord is telling them not to limit their expectations of Him to what He has done before. They must not assume that His past methods define His future actions.

In the immediate context, God has just reminded them of the Exodus:

Isaiah 43:16–17
“Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.”[ii]

The Lord is saying: “Do not box Me in. I am not limited to repeating the Exodus. I am the living God, and I will act again in ways you have not yet imagined.”

Christian theology rightly emphasises God’s sovereignty and freedom. He is not bound by human expectations or past patterns. His mercies are new every morning.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”

The “new thing” refers first to Israel’s return from Babylonian exile. But the language is deliberately expansive. It points beyond the immediate historical moment to the greater redemption in Jesus Christ.

The “new thing” ultimately finds its fulfilment in:

• the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34)
• the new creation (Revelation 21:5)
• the new life believers receive through the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God is not merely restoring Israel’s past; He is inaugurating something greater.

“I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

This echoes the Exodus imagery but expands it. God once made a way through the sea; now He will make a way through the wilderness. He once parted waters; now He will create waters where none exist.

This is not just rescue; it is transformation.

In biblical imagery, the wilderness represents:

• barrenness
• danger
• disorientation
• spiritual dryness

God promises not only to lead His people through such places but to bring life into them.

This anticipates the work of Christ, who brings living water to thirsty souls:

John 7:38 (King James Version)
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

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3. Theological Insights

A. God’s Sovereign Initiative

The passage is full of divine action: “I will do… I will make… I will even…”
Redemption is God’s work from start to finish. This aligns with Christian teaching on God’s sovereign grace.

B. God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant

Isaiah 43 repeatedly emphasises God’s covenant love:

Isaiah 43:4
“Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee.”

God’s “new thing” is not a departure from His covenant but its fulfilment.

C. Redemption as Re‑Creation

The language of “new thing,” “way,” and “rivers” evokes creation themes. God is not only saving His people; He is renewing them. This anticipates the new creation in Christ.

D. The Gospel Fulfilment

The ultimate “new thing” is the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The return from exile is a shadow; Christ is the substance.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

A. Do not limit God to past experiences

Many believers assume God will only work in familiar ways. Isaiah 43 challenges us to trust God’s freedom and creativity. He may lead us in unexpected directions.

B. God brings hope into barren places

Every Christian knows seasons of wilderness:

• grief
• spiritual dryness
• uncertainty
• relational strain
• vocational confusion

God promises not only to guide us through such seasons but to bring life into them.

C. The Christian life is shaped by God’s “new thing” in Christ

Believers are new creations:

2 Corinthians 5:17 (King James Version)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

We are called to live in the reality of this newness, putting off the old self and walking in the Spirit.

D. God’s future grace is greater than our past failures

Israel’s exile was the result of sin, yet God’s promise of restoration was not cancelled.
Likewise, our failures do not exhaust God’s mercy. His grace is always ahead of us.

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5. Meditation Guide

Use the following steps for personal reflection or group devotion.

Step 1: Read the Passage Slowly

Read Isaiah 43:18–19 aloud several times.
Let the words settle in your heart.

Step 2: Reflect on “the former things”

Ask yourself:

• What past failures or disappointments am I holding onto
• What past blessings am I clinging to in a way that limits my openness to God’s new work

Step 3: Consider the “new thing” God may be doing

Pray:

“Lord, open my eyes to Your new work in my life. Help me trust Your leading.”

Step 4: Identify your wilderness

Where do you feel barren, dry, or lost
Invite God to bring His living water into that place.

Step 5: Rest in God’s sovereign grace

Remember that the “new thing” is God’s work, not yours.
Rest in His promises and His character.

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[i] Isaiah 43

King James Version

43 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.

9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.

10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.

12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.

13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?

14 Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

15 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

16 Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.

18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

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.

20 The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

22 But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

23 Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

26 Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

27 Thy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me.

28 Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.

[ii] extinguished as quickly and completely as burning flax fibres.