Isaiah 48:3
I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
Original Language Analysis
הָרִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙
the former things
H7223
הָרִֽאשֹׁנוֹת֙
the former things
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
1 of 9
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
מֵאָ֣ז
from the beginning
H227
מֵאָ֣ז
from the beginning
Strong's:
H227
Word #:
2 of 9
at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore
הִגַּ֔דְתִּי
I have declared
H5046
הִגַּ֔דְתִּי
I have declared
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וּמִפִּ֥י
out of my mouth
H6310
וּמִפִּ֥י
out of my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 9
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יָצְא֖וּ
and they went forth
H3318
יָצְא֖וּ
and they went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
5 of 9
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְאַשְׁמִיעֵ֑ם
and I shewed
H8085
וְאַשְׁמִיעֵ֑ם
and I shewed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Isaiah 41:22Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.Isaiah 42:9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.Joshua 21:45There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.Isaiah 45:21Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.Isaiah 43:9Let 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.
Historical Context
The 'former things' include predictions of Assyrian invasion, Babylonian exile, and Cyrus's decree - all fulfilled exactly. This demonstrable track record distinguishes biblical prophecy from vague pagan oracles.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's fulfilled prophecies strengthen your confidence in yet-unfulfilled promises?
- What 'former things' has God done in your life that assure you of His present and future faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's declaration 'I have declared the former things from the beginning' establishes His prophetic credentials through fulfilled predictions. The phrase 'I did them suddenly, and they came to pass' emphasizes divine sovereignty in executing purposes. This pattern of prediction-fulfillment validates Scripture's divine origin and assures that future promises (new covenant, Christ's return) are equally certain.