Isaiah 43:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 43:19
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 43 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, hope, grace. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 43:19
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.
Analysis
Behold, I will do a new thing (חָדָשָׁה, chadashah)—not merely recent, but unprecedented in quality and character. God announces a redemption surpassing even the Exodus. Now it shall spring forth (תִּצְמָח, titsmach)—the verb used of vegetation sprouting, suggesting organic, irresistible life breaking through death.
Shall ye not know it? challenges Israel to recognize God's new work. The promise a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (נְהָרוֹת בַּיְשִׁמוֹן, neharot bayeshimon) reverses the Exodus pattern—where Moses struck rock for water, now rivers flow perpetually. This prophesies both the return from Babylonian exile and, ultimately, the new covenant era when the Spirit flows like rivers (John 7:38-39) and Christ becomes the Way (John 14:6) through barren human religion.
Historical Context
Isaiah ministered 700 years before Christ, prophesying both the Babylonian exile and restoration (539 BC). The 'new thing' initially meant the return under Cyrus through the Arabian desert, but Isaiah repeatedly layers meanings—ultimately pointing to Messiah's new creation work. Early church fathers saw this verse as quintessentially Messianic.
Reflection
- How does God's promise to make 'rivers in the desert' speak to areas of spiritual barrenness in your life?
- What 'new thing' has God done in Christ that surpasses even the greatest Old Testament deliverances?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 41:18, 42:9, 48:6, Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:11, Deuteronomy 8:15