Isaiah 42:9

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

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.

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

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

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

Isaiah 42:9 is a powerful declaration of God's unique sovereignty and prophetic power. It serves as a foundational statement within the book of Isaiah, emphasizing that the God of Israel is distinct from all other deities because He alone can truly declare the future.

Context of Isaiah 42:9

This verse concludes the first of the "Servant Songs" in Isaiah (Isaiah 42:1-9), which introduces the Lord's chosen Servant, often understood to be the Messiah. Following a description of the Servant's mission to bring justice and light to the Gentiles, verse 9 pivots to highlight God's unparalleled ability to foretell events. It stands in stark contrast to the impotence of idols and false gods, which are unable to predict or fulfill prophecies (see Isaiah 41:22-23). God asserts His control over history, both past and future.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: God declares, "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare." This underscores His absolute control over all of history. He is not reacting to events but orchestrating them, revealing His plans before they unfold. This theme is echoed throughout Isaiah, particularly in passages like Isaiah 46:10, where God states, "I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning."
  • Reliability of God's Word: The phrase "before they spring forth I tell you of them" emphasizes the certainty and precision of God's prophecies. What He declares will undoubtedly come to pass. This builds confidence in His promises, both those already fulfilled and those yet to be realized.
  • Continuity and Newness of God's Work: "The former things are come to pass" refers to past prophecies that have been fulfilled, such as the deliverance from Egyptian bondage or the return from Babylonian exile. "And new things do I declare" points to future, unprecedented acts of God. This includes the coming of the Messiah, the establishment of a new covenant, and ultimately, a new creation. God is not static; He is continually working out His redemptive plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "declare" is nagad (נָגַד), which implies a clear, open, and authoritative announcement. It's not a mere suggestion or guess, but a definitive proclamation from a position of ultimate authority. The "former things" (rishonot, רִאשֹׁנוֹת) refers to events or prophecies that have already happened, serving as proof of God's faithfulness. The "new things" (chadashot, חֲדָשׁוֹת) are future, unprecedented events, highlighting God's ongoing, dynamic work in history.

Practical Application

Isaiah 42:9 offers profound encouragement and a call to trust. In a world full of uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God is actively involved in history, executing His perfect plan. We can find peace knowing that His promises are steadfast, whether they relate to our personal lives, the future of His church, or the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. It challenges us to look for God's "new things" even amidst the familiar, to recognize His continued work, and to place our faith in His infallible word, which has proven true in the past and will certainly prove true in the future.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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