Isaiah 42:9

KJV

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the former things {H7223} are come to pass {H935}, and new things {H2319} do I declare {H5046}: before they spring forth {H6779} I tell {H8085} you of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

See how the former predictions come true; and now new things do I declare - before they sprout I tell you about them."

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

American Standard Version

Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 42:9 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and unparalleled prophetic power. It asserts that the God of Israel is distinct from all other deities because He alone possesses the unique ability to foretell events with perfect accuracy, revealing His plans long before they come to fruition. This verse serves as a foundational statement, emphasizing God's control over the entirety of history, from past fulfillments to future declarations, thereby solidifying the reliability of His divine word and His active orchestration of all things.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the first of the "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9), which introduces the Lord's chosen Servant, a figure central to Isaiah's prophetic message, often understood as the Messiah. The preceding verses describe the Servant's gentle yet resolute mission to bring justice and light to the nations, not by force, but through truth. Verse 9 then pivots, transitioning from the Servant's mission to God's own unparalleled prophetic power, serving as a divine seal of authenticity on the preceding promises. It directly contrasts with the impotence of idols and false gods, whose inability to declare or bring about future events was challenged by God in the preceding chapter, particularly in [Isaiah 41:22-23](/isaiah/41-22 "Isaiah 41:22-23 - God Challenges Idols to Predict the Future").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Isaiah addresses the nation of Israel, a people often prone to idolatry and doubt, particularly in times of national crisis or exile. In a world saturated with pagan deities and their purported oracles, God's declaration in Isaiah 42:9 serves as a direct challenge to the prevalent polytheistic worldview. It underscores the unique nature of YHWH, the God of Israel, who operates outside the limitations of human knowledge or the fabricated powers of false gods. This declaration would have provided immense assurance and a call to faithfulness for a people grappling with the uncertainty of their future, whether facing the Assyrian threat, enduring Babylonian exile, or anticipating restoration.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 42:9 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Isaiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, portraying God as the orchestrator of history, not merely a reactor to events. His ability to declare "new things" before they "spring forth" underscores His absolute control and comprehensive plan, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Reliability and Certainty of God's Word**. The fulfillment of "former things" serves as an undeniable testament to the trustworthiness of His prophecies, building confidence in His future declarations. Lastly, it points to the **Continuity and Newness of God's Redemptive Work**. While the "former things" refer to past acts of salvation (e.g., the Exodus or return from exile), the "new things" anticipate unprecedented acts, including the coming of the Messiah, the establishment of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The Promise of a New Covenant"), and ultimately, the promise of a [new creation](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **former things (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** From H7223 (רִאשׁוֹן). This term refers to events or prophecies that have already occurred, serving as historical precedents and tangible proofs of God's faithfulness and omnipotence. It encompasses past acts of salvation, judgments, and fulfilled predictions, establishing a track record for God's reliability.
* **new things (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_): From H2319 (חָדָשׁ).** This signifies something fresh, unprecedented, and distinct from what has come before. In this context, it points to future, innovative acts of God that transcend previous experiences, highlighting His dynamic and ongoing work in redemptive history, particularly the coming of the Messiah and the new era He inaugurates.
* **declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_): From H5046 (נָגַד).** This primitive root implies standing boldly out opposite, and by implication, to manifest or announce by word of mouth to one present. It conveys a clear, open, authoritative, and often predictive proclamation. It is not a mere suggestion or guess, but a definitive, public pronouncement from a position of ultimate authority and knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the former things are come to pass":** This opening clause serves as a divine affirmation and a call to attention. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws the listener's focus to an undeniable truth. The "former things" refer to God's past prophecies and promises, which have demonstrably been fulfilled. This serves as irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over history, laying the groundwork for the credibility of His subsequent declarations.
* **"and new things do I declare":** Following the affirmation of past fulfillment, God immediately pivots to His unique ability to reveal the future. The "new things" are unprecedented events that God, and only God, can announce before they occur. This highlights His exclusive divine prerogative and distinguishes Him sharply from all false gods and human prognosticators, who lack such foreknowledge and power.
* **"before they spring forth I tell you of them.":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the precision, certainty, and timeliness of God's prophetic declarations. The imagery of something "springing forth" (like a plant from the ground) conveys the organic, inevitable unfolding of God's plan. God tells His people of these future events not as they are happening, but *before* they even begin to emerge, underscoring His complete mastery over time and destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 42:9 is rich in literary artistry that enhances its theological impact. The most prominent device is **Contrast**, specifically between "the former things" and "new things." This juxtaposition highlights God's continuous, dynamic work throughout history, demonstrating His faithfulness in fulfilling past promises while simultaneously revealing His capacity for unprecedented future acts. The verse also functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Oracle**, delivered directly by God ("I declare," "I tell you"). This authoritative voice underscores the infallibility and certainty of the message. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, as the "new things" implicitly point towards the coming of the Servant (Messiah) and the radical redemptive work He will accomplish, which will be unlike anything seen before. The imagery of things "springing forth" is a subtle form of **Metaphor**, comparing the unfolding of God's plan to the natural, inevitable growth of a plant, emphasizing the organic and unstoppable nature of His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 42:9 is a cornerstone declaration of God's unique identity as the sovereign Lord of history, whose word is utterly reliable. It establishes a profound theological truth: God's foreknowledge is not merely predictive but declarative, meaning He does not simply know what will happen, but He also brings it to pass. This verse assures believers that God is actively working out His purposes, both in the grand sweep of history and in individual lives, and that His promises are steadfast. The fulfillment of "former things" serves as a divine guarantee for the "new things" He declares, fostering deep trust and confidence in His ongoing redemptive plan. It challenges any notion of a passive or reactive deity, presenting instead an omniscient and omnipotent God who orchestrates all events according to His perfect will.

* [Isaiah 48:3-6](/isaiah/48-3 "Isaiah 48:3-6 - God's Foreknowledge and Israel's Stubbornness")
* [John 13:19](/john/13-19 "John 13:19 - Jesus Declares Things Before They Come to Pass")
* [2 Peter 1:19-21](/2_peter/1-19 "2 Peter 1:19-21 - The Reliability of Prophetic Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and often, a sense of powerlessness, Isaiah 42:9 offers profound solace and a call to unwavering trust. It reminds us that our God is not surprised by current events, nor is He merely reacting to human choices or global crises. Instead, He is the one who declares the end from the beginning, having a perfect plan that He is actively bringing to fruition. This truth should inspire us to release our anxieties and place our full confidence in His proven faithfulness. Just as He fulfilled the "former things," He will certainly bring about the "new things" He has promised, both for His church and for our individual lives. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances, to discern God's ongoing work, and to anticipate with hope the fresh, unprecedented ways He will reveal His glory and accomplish His purposes. It calls us to live with an expectant faith, knowing that the God who speaks is also the God who acts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's declaration of "former things" having come to pass strengthen your trust in His promises for your future?**
* **In what ways might God be declaring "new things" in your life or in the world around you, even if they haven't yet "sprung forth"?**
* **What comfort and confidence do you draw from knowing that God is in complete control of history, orchestrating events according to His perfect plan?**

### FAQ
**What are the "former things" and "new things" God refers to in this verse?**

Answer: The "former things" generally refer to God's past acts of salvation and judgment, particularly prophecies that have already been fulfilled. This would include events like the Exodus from Egypt, the establishment of Israel as a nation, and previous divine interventions or judgments against nations. They serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and power. The "new things," in contrast, refer to future, unprecedented acts of God that are yet to unfold. While these would have had immediate prophetic significance for Isaiah's audience (e.g., the return from Babylonian exile, the coming of the Servant), they also carry broader eschatological implications, pointing to the ultimate redemptive work of the Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom, which surpasses all previous acts in its scope and glory.

**How does this verse relate to the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah?**

Answer: Isaiah 42:9 concludes the first of the four "Servant Songs" (Isaiah 42:1-9), which introduce the Lord's chosen Servant, often understood to be the Messiah. The preceding verses describe the Servant's mission to bring justice and light to the Gentiles. Verse 9 then serves as God's authoritative endorsement and authentication of this mission. By declaring His unique ability to foretell and bring about "new things," God underscores the divine origin and certainty of the Servant's work. It essentially says, "I am the God who fulfills all My words, both past and future. Therefore, you can trust the mission I have given to My Servant, for it is part of My infallible plan."

**How does God's declaration of "new things" challenge other deities or worldviews?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, many cultures relied on diviners, soothsayers, and oracles from various gods to predict the future. Isaiah 42:9, especially in context with [Isaiah 41](/isaiah/41 "Isaiah 41 - God Challenges Idols"), directly challenges these pagan deities and their impotence. God asserts that unlike idols, which are deaf, dumb, and unable to declare or effect anything, He alone possesses true foreknowledge and the power to bring His declarations to pass. This verse establishes YHWH as the singular, sovereign God, whose word is not a guess or a mere possibility, but a certain, authoritative decree that shapes history. It refutes any worldview that denies God's active, pre-emptive involvement in the unfolding of time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 42:9 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "new thing" that God declared long ago, the very embodiment of God's unprecedented redemptive work. The "former things" were fulfilled in the Old Covenant, but Christ inaugurated a [new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant") that surpasses all previous dispensations. Jesus Himself declared things "before they come to pass" (e.g., His betrayal in [John 13:19](/john/13-19 "John 13:19 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal"), His death and resurrection in [Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Suffering and Resurrection")), demonstrating the same divine foreknowledge and authority as the Father. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ brought about the ultimate "new thing"—the possibility of a [new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") in Him, where old things pass away and all things become new. He is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), the one through whom God is making "all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). Thus, Isaiah 42:9 is not just a statement about God's prophetic power, but a profound pointer to the Christ event as the pinnacle of His redemptive declarations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 43:19

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.

Isaiah 46:9

Remember the former things of old: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else; [I am] God, and [there is] none like me,

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

John 13:19

Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Joshua 21:45

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.