Isaiah 48:7 – “They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot say, ‘Yes, I knew of them.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, God is emphasizing His ability to reveal new things that His people could never have known on their own. These “new” revelations or events are not recycled or repackaged ideas but are freshly created by God. He is making it clear that these things are entirely His doing, and the people cannot claim prior knowledge or credit for them. This reinforces God’s sovereignty and omniscience, contrasting human limitations with His limitless knowledge and power.
Historical Context
During the time of Isaiah, the Israelites were often guilty of turning to idols and false gods for guidance. By declaring “new” things, God is setting Himself apart from these lifeless idols, which could not foretell the future or create anything. This verse comes in the context of God preparing to deliver His people from exile in Babylon—a deliverance they could not have foreseen or orchestrated themselves. It is also a rebuke to their pride and self-reliance, reminding them that their understanding is limited compared to God’s infinite wisdom.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s uniqueness as the Creator and Revealer of new things. It teaches that God operates on a level far beyond human comprehension and reminds us that He is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding. It also challenges human pride, emphasizing that we cannot claim knowledge or control over God’s plans. For believers, it is a call to humility and trust in God’s unfolding purposes.
Literary Analysis
Isaiah 48:7 employs repetition and contrast to emphasize God’s power and human limitation. The phrases “created now” and “not long ago” underscore the fresh and unique nature of God’s revelations. The rhetorical statement “So you cannot say, ‘Yes, I knew of them’” exposes human pride and invites self-reflection. The verse’s tone is both authoritative and instructive, inviting the reader to acknowledge God’s greatness.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 42:9: “See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”
- Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
- Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
- Revelation 21:5: “I am making everything new!” reflecting God’s ongoing work of renewal and creation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to trust in God’s plans and timing, even when they don’t make sense or seem unexpected. It challenges us to let go of the pride of thinking we understand everything and to embrace a posture of humility and faith. God is always at work, revealing His purposes in ways that surpass our understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s revelation of “new things” is an act of love. It shows that He is deeply involved in the lives of His people, guiding them into His plans and purposes. He does not leave us in the dark but reveals enough for us to follow Him with confidence. His desire to show us “new things” demonstrates His care for our growth and His intention to bless us with a future filled with hope and renewal.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the ultimate “new thing” that God revealed to humanity. The plan of salvation through Jesus was long foretold but remained hidden in its fullness until His coming (Colossians 1:26-27). Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, God revealed His love, mercy, and plan for redemption in a way that no one could have predicted or fully understood beforehand. Jesus also taught that God is continually doing new things in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s plans because they feel unexpected or unknown?
- How does this verse challenge you to let go of pride and acknowledge God’s wisdom over your own?
- What are some “new things” God has done in your life that you could not have anticipated?
- How does this verse encourage you to live with faith and humility?
- How does Jesus’ life and ministry embody the “new things” God reveals to His people?
Isaiah 48:7 calls us to trust in God’s ability to do new and unexpected things in our lives. It reminds us to humbly recognize His sovereignty and to rest in the assurance that His plans are always good and far beyond what we can imagine. Through Christ, we are invited into the ultimate “new thing”—a transformed life and an eternal relationship with God.