Isaiah 43:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will do {H6213} a new thing {H2319}; now it shall spring forth {H6779}; shall ye not know {H3045} it? I will even make {H7760} a way {H1870} in the wilderness {H4057}, and rivers {H5104} in the desert {H3452}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am doing something new; it's springing up - can't you see it? I am making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 43:19 proclaims a profound divine promise: God is about to initiate an unprecedented act of redemption and provision for His people, one so remarkable it will eclipse even His mighty deeds of the past. This declaration assures a future outpouring of grace and transformation, where God will miraculously create pathways and sustenance in the most desolate and impossible circumstances, calling His people to recognize and embrace His unfolding work with expectant faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of the Book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-55, often referred to as "Second Isaiah" or the "Book of Comfort." This section primarily addresses the people of Israel during their Babylonian exile, a period marked by despair, a sense of abandonment, and questions about God's faithfulness and power. Preceding this verse, God has been emphatically declaring His unique identity as the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, contrasting Himself sharply with the impotent idols worshipped by Babylonians (e.g., [Isaiah 41:4](/isaiah/41-4 "Isaiah 41:4 - God as the First and Last") and [Isaiah 44:6-8](/isaiah/44-6-8 "Isaiah 44:6-8 - The Lord, the King of Israel")). He reminds them of His past acts of deliverance, particularly the miraculous Exodus from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea ([Isaiah 43:16-17](/isaiah/43-16-17 "Isaiah 43:16-17 - God's Past Deliverance at the Sea")). However, in verse 19, God pivots from past glories to a future, even greater work, signaling a new phase in His redemptive plan that will surpass previous manifestations of His power and faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile (586-539 BC), a period of immense suffering, displacement, and cultural assimilation for the Judahites. Stripped of their land, temple, and monarchy, they faced an existential crisis, questioning God's covenant promises and their identity as His chosen people. The dominant culture of Babylon was polytheistic, with powerful deities like Marduk, whose temples and cults were central to their imperial ideology. In this environment, the prophet Isaiah's message served as a counter-narrative, asserting the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh over all other gods and empires. The imagery of "wilderness" and "desert" would have resonated deeply with a people whose ancestors had wandered through literal deserts during the Exodus, and who now found themselves in a metaphorical wilderness of despair, far from their promised land. The promise of "a way" and "rivers" speaks directly to their deepest needs for guidance, sustenance, and a miraculous return, echoing the miraculous provision God gave their ancestors in the desert.

* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 43:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Unpredictability**, emphasizing that His power is not bound by human expectations or past patterns; He is capable of entirely novel and unprecedented acts ("I will do a new thing"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Provision**, portraying God as the one who can transform barrenness into abundance and despair into hope, creating life-sustaining resources even in the most desolate environments. This theme is powerfully echoed elsewhere in Isaiah, such as the vision of [the desert blooming like a rose](/isaiah/35-1 "Isaiah 35:1 - The Desert Blooms") and springs breaking forth in the wilderness ([Isaiah 35:6-7](/isaiah/35-6-7 "Isaiah 35:6-7 - Water in the Wilderness")). Thirdly, the rhetorical question "shall ye not know it?" introduces the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Recognition**, challenging the exiles to open their eyes and hearts to perceive God's active presence and unfolding plan, even when it deviates from their preconceived notions of how He might act. This call to awareness is crucial for a people prone to spiritual blindness and despondency ([Isaiah 42:18-20](/isaiah/42-18-20 "Isaiah 42:18-20 - The Blindness of Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **new (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** (H2319) This word signifies something fresh, renewed, or unprecedented. It's not merely a repetition or a slight modification of what has been, but a qualitatively different and novel act. In this context, it implies that God's forthcoming deliverance will be so remarkable that it will overshadow the memory of even the miraculous Exodus, marking a new epoch in His redemptive history with Israel.
* **way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** (H1870) Primarily meaning "a road" or "path" (as trodden), _derek_ also extends figuratively to a course of life or mode of action. Here, in the context of the "wilderness," it denotes a miraculous path or route where none naturally exists, signifying divine guidance, liberation, and a safe passage through impossible terrain. It evokes the imagery of the Exodus journey, but promises an even more astounding route.
* **rivers (Hebrew, _nâhâr'_):** (H5104) This term refers to a stream or flowing body of water, often associated with prosperity and life. In the "desert," the presence of rivers is a profound symbol of abundant, life-giving provision in a place of extreme scarcity. It represents God's ability to transform barrenness into flourishing life, providing sustenance and refreshment beyond all natural expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will do a new thing;":** This opening clause serves as a dramatic announcement, demanding attention ("Behold!"). The divine "I" underscores God's sovereign initiative. The "new thing" (Hebrew: _châdâsh_) signifies an act of God that is unprecedented, fresh, and qualitatively different from His past interventions, even the glorious Exodus. It promises a novel manifestation of His power and grace.
* **"now it shall spring forth;":** The adverb "now" emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of this divine action. The verb "spring forth" (Hebrew: _tsâmach_) is often used for vegetation sprouting from the ground, implying a natural, yet divinely orchestrated, emergence. It suggests that this "new thing" is not merely a future possibility but is already in its nascent stages, ready to become visible and impactful.
* **"shall ye not know it?":** This is a rhetorical question, challenging the audience's perception and spiritual discernment. It implies that the "new thing" will be so evident that it should be impossible to miss, yet it also serves as a gentle rebuke or an invitation to open their eyes and hearts to God's work, which might not conform to their expectations or past experiences. It calls for active recognition and faith.
* **"I will even make a way in the wilderness,":** This clause begins to unpack the nature of the "new thing." The "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbâr_) signifies a desolate, dangerous, and impassable place, a metaphor for the exiles' dire circumstances. God promises to "make a way" (Hebrew: _derek_) where no path exists, symbolizing His ability to provide guidance, escape, and a clear path forward through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
* **"and rivers in the desert.":** Complementing the previous clause, "desert" (Hebrew: _yᵉshîymôwn_) reinforces the imagery of extreme barrenness and lack of life. The promise of "rivers" (Hebrew: _nâhâr_) in such a place is a powerful symbol of abundant, miraculous provision, refreshment, and the transformation of death into life. It assures the exiles that God will not only lead them but also sustain them abundantly in their journey.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 43:19 is rich with powerful literary devices that enhance its message. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the vivid contrast between the desolate "wilderness" and "desert" and the life-giving "way" and "rivers." This **Antithesis** underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention, transforming the impossible into the possible. The phrase "I will do a new thing" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the unprecedented scale and nature of God's future action, suggesting it will surpass all previous acts of deliverance. The rhetorical question, "shall ye not know it?", engages the audience directly, serving as both a **Challenge** to their perception and an **Invitation** to spiritual discernment. The structure of the verse also exhibits **Parallelism**, with "a way in the wilderness" paralleling "rivers in the desert," reinforcing the dual aspects of divine guidance and provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 43:19 is a cornerstone text for understanding God's character as a God of innovation, redemption, and boundless provision. It asserts that God is not confined to past patterns or limited by human circumstances; rather, He is perpetually active, capable of bringing forth unprecedented acts of grace and transformation. The "new thing" transcends mere repetition of the Exodus, pointing to a deeper, more comprehensive work of salvation that addresses not only physical liberation but also spiritual renewal. This promise of a way and rivers in the desert speaks to God's commitment to sustaining His people even in their most desolate moments, transforming barrenness into flourishing life. Theologically, it affirms God's sovereignty over all creation and circumstances, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His desire for them to recognize and participate in His redemptive plan.

* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") - This passage directly speaks of a "new covenant" that God will make, emphasizing an internal transformation of the heart, distinct from the old covenant.
* [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "A New Heaven and a New Earth") - Envisions a "new heaven and a new earth," where God makes "all things new," culminating in the complete eradication of sorrow and death, a cosmic fulfillment of God's "new thing."
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ") - Declares that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" highlighting the personal and spiritual "new thing" God accomplishes in believers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 43:19 offers profound hope and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. It challenges us to release our preconceived notions of how God *should* act, inviting us instead to anticipate His fresh, innovative movements. When we encounter personal "wildernesses"—periods of despair, stagnation, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—this verse assures us that God is not only present but actively at work, ready to forge new paths and provide unexpected sustenance. It encourages a posture of expectant faith, urging us to look beyond our current limitations and trust in God's limitless power to transform barrenness into abundance. This divine promise empowers us to embrace change, knowing that God's "new thing" often involves a departure from the familiar, leading us into deeper reliance on His wisdom and provision. It is a powerful reminder that our God is dynamic, creative, and always faithful, continually bringing forth renewal and life where we least expect it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wilderness" or "desert" areas in your life are you currently experiencing, where you long for God to make a way or bring rivers?**
* **How might God be doing a "new thing" in your life or circumstances that you have not yet recognized or fully embraced?**
* **In what ways might your past experiences or expectations hinder you from discerning God's fresh work today?**
* **What specific steps of faith can you take to "know" or cooperate with the "new thing" God is springing forth?**

### FAQ

**What is the "new thing" God is promising in Isaiah 43:19?**

Answer: The "new thing" in Isaiah 43:19 refers to a future act of redemption and restoration for Israel that will surpass even the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. While the Exodus involved making a way through the sea ([Isaiah 43:16](/isaiah/43-16 "Isaiah 43:16 - God's Past Deliverance at the Sea")) and providing water in the wilderness, this "new thing" promises a return from Babylonian exile that will be even more astounding, characterized by God creating a literal "way in the wilderness" and "rivers in the desert" for their journey home. More broadly, it signifies God's capacity to act in unprecedented ways, bringing about fresh deliverance, provision, and spiritual renewal that transcends past patterns and human expectations. It points to a new era of God's redemptive work.

**How does this "new thing" relate to God's past acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus?**

Answer: Isaiah 43:19 intentionally contrasts the "new thing" with God's past acts, especially the Exodus, which was the quintessential act of Israel's liberation and God's power. While God acknowledges His past mighty deeds (e.g., [Isaiah 43:16-17](/isaiah/43-16-17 "Isaiah 43:16-17 - God's Past Deliverance at the Sea")), He declares that the "new thing" will be so remarkable that the memory of the former will fade in comparison ([Isaiah 43:18](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18 - Forget the Former Things")). This doesn't diminish the Exodus but highlights God's progressive and ever-greater redemptive plan. The Exodus provided a way through water; the new thing promises a way *and* water in the *desert*, a place of even greater desolation. It signifies that God's power and creativity are inexhaustible, and His future interventions will always be perfectly suited to the needs of His people, often surpassing their imagination.

**What does the rhetorical question "shall ye not know it?" imply for the audience?**

Answer: The question "shall ye not know it?" serves multiple purposes. On one level, it suggests that God's forthcoming act will be so evident and undeniable that it should be immediately recognizable. It implies a certain obviousness to God's work. On another level, it functions as a gentle challenge or a call to spiritual discernment for the exiles, who, due to their suffering and spiritual blindness ([Isaiah 42:18-20](/isaiah/42-18-20 "Isaiah 42:18-20 - The Blindness of Israel")), might fail to perceive God's active hand. It's an invitation to cultivate an expectant and discerning heart, to look beyond their current despair and recognize the signs of God's new work, even if it doesn't fit their preconceived notions or past experiences. It calls for active faith and attentiveness to divine revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 43:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's "new thing." While the immediate context points to the return from Babylonian exile, the prophetic vision extends to a spiritual deliverance far greater than any physical journey. Jesus Christ is the "way" in the spiritual wilderness of sin and separation from God, providing the sole path to reconciliation and eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the "living water" that brings "rivers" of life to the parched desert of the human soul, satisfying spiritual thirst and transforming barren hearts into fruitful ground ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ inaugurated the New Covenant, a truly "new thing" that supersedes the old, writing God's law on hearts and granting forgiveness of sins ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Believers in Christ become "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), experiencing a spiritual transformation that is a foretaste of the ultimate "new heaven and new earth" where God makes "all things new" ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "A New Heaven and a New Earth")). Thus, Isaiah 43:19 anticipates not merely a physical return, but the radical, life-giving, and eternally transformative work of God accomplished in and through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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 48:6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare [it]? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

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.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Revelation 21:5

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Isaiah 41:18

I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

Luke 3:4

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Luke 3:5

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;