43:17 43:17

Isaiah 43:18

43:19 43:19

Bible Versions

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Remember {H2142} ye not the former things {H7223}, neither consider {H995} the things of old {H6931}.
"Stop dwelling on past events and brooding over times gone by;
“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Commentary on Isaiah 43:18 (KJV)

Isaiah 43:18 serves as a powerful call from God to His people, urging them to shift their focus from past deliverances and historical events towards His impending, greater acts of salvation. This verse introduces a profound theme of divine innovation and future hope.

Context

This verse is found within the book of Isaiah, specifically in a section (chapters 40-55) often referred to as "Second Isaiah," which addresses the Jewish people during their Babylonian exile, or looks forward to their future restoration. Chapters 42 and 43 emphasize God's unique identity as the only true God, His sovereignty over history, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, Israel. Prior to verse 18, God has reassured His people of His protection and redemption, even promising to gather them from afar (Isaiah 43:5-7). The "former things" refer to God's mighty acts of deliverance in the past, most notably the Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, which were foundational to Israel's identity and faith. However, God is about to do something even more astonishing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Innovation: God is not limited by His past methods or miracles. He is a God who continually does "new things" (Isaiah 43:19), demonstrating His boundless power and creativity.
  • Forward Focus: The command "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old" is not an instruction to forget God's faithfulness, but rather to prevent dwelling on past glories or failures to the exclusion of what God is doing presently and will do in the future. It encourages a hopeful anticipation of God's unfolding plans.
  • Hope and Deliverance: Despite their current circumstances of exile or hardship, Israel is called to trust that God's future acts of salvation will surpass even the most miraculous events of their history. This instills a powerful sense of hope for restoration and renewal.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases used here are significant:

  • "Former things" (Hebrew: rishonot - רִאשֹׁנ֖וֹת) literally means "first things" or "original things," referring to God's initial acts of salvation and covenant.
  • "Things of old" (Hebrew: qadmoniyyot - קַדְמֹנִיּ֖וֹת) conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing ancient or primordial events.
The double negative imperative ("Remember ye not... neither consider") acts as a strong prohibition, urging a deliberate shift in perspective. It's a call to not be so fixated on what God has *already done* that one misses what He is *about to do*. The very next verse, Isaiah 43:19, reveals what this "new thing" will be: "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."

Practical Application

For believers today, Isaiah 43:18 offers several profound applications:

  • Release from the Past: This verse encourages us to release ourselves from being defined by past successes or failures. While we should learn from history and remember God's faithfulness, we must not let nostalgia or regret prevent us from seeing and participating in what God is doing now.
  • Embrace New Seasons: God is always at work, often in new and unexpected ways. We are called to be open to His fresh movements and directions in our lives, our communities, and the world.
  • Cultivate Expectant Faith: Rather than relying solely on past experiences of God's power, we are invited to cultivate an expectant faith for His future provision and miraculous interventions. He can make a "way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" even in our most challenging circumstances.
  • Focus on God's Future Promises: Just as God promised a new restoration to Israel, He has given us promises of a future hope and a new creation (Revelation 21:4). This verse reminds us to fix our eyes on the unfolding of His divine plan.
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.

  • Isaiah 65:17

    ¶ For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:10

    For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

  • Jeremiah 16:14

    ¶ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

  • Jeremiah 16:15

    But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

  • 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,

  • 1 Chronicles 16:12

    Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

  • Deuteronomy 8:2

    And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
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