Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Generated Verse: Isaiah 43:19

What does "Isaiah 43:19" mean?


Isaiah 43:19 is a powerful and hopeful verse within the larger context of Isaiah 40-55, often referred to as the Book of Comfort or Second Isaiah. Let's break down its meaning:

"Behold, I will do a new thing." This is a declaration from God. "Behold" is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of what's coming. The "new thing" signifies a radical and unprecedented act of divine intervention. It promises a departure from the past, suggesting that God is about to act in a way that hasn't been seen before.

"It springs out now." This speaks of the immediacy and imminence of the promised action. It's not a distant promise, but something that is already beginning to happen or is about to happen very soon. "Springs out" suggests a sudden and unexpected emergence.

"Don’t you know it?" This is a challenge and a rebuke to the people. It implies that they are so caught up in their past experiences, their suffering, and their limited perspectives that they are failing to recognize God's work around them. The question invites them to open their eyes, their minds, and their hearts to the possibilities of God's new initiative.

"I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." This provides a concrete example of the "new thing" God will do. The "wilderness" and "desert" symbolize barrenness, hardship, lack of resources, and spiritual dryness. Making a "way" through the wilderness represents overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, offering direction and hope where there was none before. "Rivers in the desert" signifies abundance, provision, and life-giving sustenance in the most unexpected places. It suggests a transformative act that defies natural limitations.

Overall Meaning:

The verse conveys a message of hope, renewal, and restoration. It is primarily addressing the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The "new thing" could refer to their liberation from exile and return to their homeland. However, its meaning can be applied more broadly to any situation of difficulty, hardship, or spiritual dryness.

Key Themes:

God's Sovereignty: God is in control and has the power to change circumstances.
Hope and Renewal: Even in the bleakest situations, God offers hope for a better future.
Unexpected Provision: God can provide for needs in unconventional ways and in unexpected places.
Spiritual Awakening: It encourages people to recognize God's activity in their lives.

In a Christian context, this verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who brought a "new covenant" and offered salvation to all. He is seen as the "way" in the wilderness, leading people out of spiritual darkness and into abundant life.

In summary, Isaiah 43:19 is a powerful promise that God is active in the world, working to bring about transformation and restoration, even in the most challenging circumstances. It calls for faith, vision, and an openness to the unexpected ways in which God might be at work.