Isaiah 48:7

KJV

They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are created {H1254} now, and not from the beginning; even before {H6440} the day {H3117} when thou heardest {H8085} them not; lest thou shouldest say {H559}, Behold, I knew {H3045} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

created now, not long ago; before today, you did not hear them: so you can't say, 'I already know about them.'

Berean Standard Bible

They are created now, and not long ago; you have not heard of them before today. So you cannot claim, ‘I already knew them!’

American Standard Version

They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 48:7 stands as a powerful divine declaration, asserting God's unparalleled sovereignty and prophetic power over history. In this verse, the Lord emphasizes that the "new things" He is revealing were not known or understood by His people from ancient times, but are being "created" and disclosed precisely at the opportune moment. This deliberate timing serves to underscore God's absolute control over all events and prophecies, ensuring that all glory and recognition for their fulfillment belong solely to Him, thereby preventing any human claim of foresight, wisdom, or prior knowledge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of the book of Isaiah, specifically chapters 40-55, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation." This section is primarily addressed to the exiled people of Israel, offering comfort and promises of future restoration after the Babylonian captivity. Chapter 48, in particular, serves as a divine confrontation, where the Lord addresses the persistent stubbornness and idolatry of Israel, despite their covenant relationship and firsthand experience of His mighty works. God has previously established His unique deity by declaring "former things"—past prophecies that have demonstrably come to pass (as highlighted in [Isaiah 48:3](/isaiah/48-3 "Isaiah 48:3 - God Declares Former Things")). Now, in the immediate preceding verses, He introduces "new things" ([Isaiah 48:6](/isaiah/48-6 "Isaiah 48:6 - God Declares New Things")), which are fresh prophecies concerning their imminent deliverance from Babylon and the rise of Cyrus. Verse 7 specifically underscores the divine origin and precise timing of these "new things," sharply contrasting God's omniscient power with the impotence of false gods and the limited human understanding of His chosen people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for this prophecy is the latter part of the Babylonian exile, approximately 586-539 BC. The people of Judah were suffering the consequences of their prolonged unfaithfulness, living in a foreign land. During this period, the geopolitical landscape was shifting dramatically with the ascendance of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, who would famously issue a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland (a remarkable prophecy found in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")). In the polytheistic environment of the ancient Near East, it was common for nations to attribute their victories, defeats, or any significant historical events to the power or will of their respective deities. Against this backdrop, Yahweh, through His prophet Isaiah, emphatically demonstrates His supreme power and unique ability to foretell and orchestrate such monumental historical shifts. He distinguishes Himself from the silent, impotent idols worshipped by other nations and even by some within Israel, asserting His singular authority as the only true God who controls all of history.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 48:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Isaiah. Firstly, **Divine Foreknowledge and Revelation** is a central tenet; God explicitly states that the events or truths being revealed ("They are created now, and not from the beginning") were not known or understood by Israel from ancient times. God reveals them precisely at the opportune moment, emphasizing His absolute control over history and His unique position as the only true God who declares the end from the beginning, a theme profoundly articulated in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the theme of **Prevention of Self-Glory** is prominently highlighted by the phrase "lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them." God deliberately withholds these prophecies until they are on the verge of fulfillment, specifically to prevent Israel from claiming credit for understanding these events beforehand, or from attributing them to their own wisdom, foresight, or the power of their idols. This ensures that all glory and recognition for these future events belong solely and unequivocally to Him. Lastly, the verse powerfully reinforces **God's Uniqueness and Sovereignty**, distinguishing Him from all false deities and human limitations, asserting His singular role as the orchestrator of all creation and history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** This word (H1254) is a primitive root meaning "to create" in an absolute sense, often implying a divine act of bringing something into existence out of nothing, or a formative process. In Isaiah 48:7, its use ("They are created now") emphasizes the divine origin and radical newness of the prophecies God is declaring. These "new things" are not merely rediscovered truths or logical deductions; they are fresh, divinely initiated realities, brought forth by God's sovereign will and power. This underscores that only God can bring forth such unprecedented events and revelations, highlighting His unique creative power extending to historical events.
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This term (H3117) refers to a literal day, but also figuratively to a "space of time defined by an associated term." In the phrase "before the day when thou heardest them not," "day" signifies the specific period or moment of revelation. It highlights God's precise and deliberate timing in disclosing these "new things." The implication is that prior to this divinely appointed "day," Israel was entirely ignorant of these future events, reinforcing the idea that their knowledge is not inherent or self-derived, but purely a result of God's gracious and timely disclosure.
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3045) is rich in meaning, encompassing knowing by observation, experience, recognition, and even intimate acquaintance. In the context of "lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them," it refers to a claim of foreknowledge, prior understanding, or predictive insight. God's deliberate withholding of these prophecies until their declaration prevents Israel from asserting that they had prior insight or could have predicted these events. It challenges any human presumption of wisdom that might usurp God's unique position as the omniscient orchestrator of history and the sole source of true prophetic knowledge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are created now, and not from the beginning;":** This initial clause powerfully emphasizes the absolute newness and divine origin of the prophecies God is declaring. The pronoun "They" refers to the "new things" mentioned in the preceding verse ([Isaiah 48:6](/isaiah/48-6 "Isaiah 48:6 - God Declares New Things")). These are not ancient truths or predictable outcomes known from time immemorial, but fresh, divinely initiated events or revelations. The use of the verb "created" (bârâʼ) suggests that these events are brought into being by God's sovereign will, much like creation itself, underscoring His unique power to bring forth what was previously non-existent or utterly unknown to humanity. This highlights God's dynamic and active involvement in history.
* **"even before the day when thou heardest them not;":** This phrase further clarifies God's deliberate timing and purpose. He is revealing these things precisely at a point when Israel had no prior knowledge, inkling, or even a whisper of them. The "day when thou heardest them not" signifies a period of complete ignorance on Israel's part regarding these specific future events. God's revelation is not a confirmation of existing human speculation or a mere unveiling of what was already partially understood, but a fresh, unexpected disclosure of His hidden counsel and sovereign plan. This reinforces His unique position as the revealer of mysteries.
* **"lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.":** This final, crucial clause reveals God's explicit purpose behind His timing and the nature of His revelation. By withholding this knowledge until the very moment of declaration, God preemptively prevents Israel from claiming any credit for foresight, wisdom, or understanding. It thwarts any human tendency to boast, to attribute the unfolding of these monumental events to their own sagacity, or worse, to the supposed power of their idols. The intent is to ensure that all glory for the fulfillment of these prophecies is unequivocally ascribed to God alone, affirming His sole deity and omnipotence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 48:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. There is clear **Divine Speech/Oracle**, as God directly addresses Israel, asserting His unique attributes and intentions with authoritative pronouncements. The verse also utilizes effective **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "now" (the immediate present moment of revelation) with "not from the beginning" (the absence of prior knowledge), highlighting the radical newness and unexpected nature of God's declarations. This contrast underscores God's absolute control over time and revelation, emphasizing that His plans are not predictable by human means. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Anticipation** or **Preemptive Strike** in God's declaration, as He explicitly reveals His purpose ("lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them") to prevent a specific human response of pride or self-glory. This reveals God's profound understanding of human nature and His unwavering determination to secure His own glory as the sole orchestrator of history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 48:7 profoundly articulates God's unparalleled omniscience and sovereignty, underscoring His unique ability to declare the future and bring it to pass. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that God is not bound by time or limited by human understanding; He orchestrates history according to His perfect will, revealing His plans at precisely the right moment. The "new things" He declares demonstrate His dynamic and ongoing work in the world, always moving towards the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes. This divine foreknowledge serves not to diminish human responsibility, but to highlight God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their stubbornness and idolatry. It is a powerful reminder that all true wisdom and knowledge originate from Him, and all glory for His mighty acts belongs to Him alone, preventing any human boasting or misattribution of His divine work.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "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](/john/13-19 "John 13:19 - Jesus Foretells His Betrayal"): "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he."
* [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to God"): "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 48:7 offers profound encouragement and a crucial call to humility for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, rapid change, and the constant pursuit of knowledge, this verse reminds us that our God is never surprised by anything. He is the one who "creates" new realities and reveals His purposes in His perfect timing, often in ways we could never have anticipated or engineered. This foundational truth should cultivate a deep and abiding trust in His sovereign plan, even when our own understanding is limited, when circumstances seem chaotic, or when the future appears opaque. It encourages us to release our innate human need to "know everything" beforehand and instead to rest securely in His divine foreknowledge and providential care. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful antidote to human pride and self-sufficiency. Just as God prevented Israel from claiming credit for His miraculous work of deliverance, we are called to acknowledge that any wisdom, insight, success, or blessing we experience is ultimately a gift from Him. This truth fosters a spirit of profound gratitude and ensures that all glory for His interventions, guidance, and provisions is directed solely to Him, rather than being attributed to our own foresight, abilities, or efforts. It compels us to live in humble dependence and joyful adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's unique foreknowledge, as expressed in this verse, impact your trust in His plans for your life and for the unfolding of world events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to claim credit for outcomes that are truly God's work, and how can this verse reorient your perspective towards humble recognition of His sovereignty?**
* **How does the concept of God revealing "new things" at the opportune moment encourage you to rely more on His divine revelation and guidance than on human foresight, strategic planning, or worldly wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What are the "new things" mentioned in Isaiah 48:7?**

Answer: The "new things" refer primarily to God's imminent plan for Israel's deliverance from Babylonian captivity and their miraculous return to their homeland, a process facilitated by the unexpected rise of Cyrus, the Persian king. These events were entirely unforeseen by human wisdom or the pagan gods worshipped by other nations. God emphasizes that these are not merely a repetition of past acts (like the Exodus from Egypt, which are referred to as the "former things" in [Isaiah 48:3](/isaiah/48-3 "Isaiah 48:3 - God Declares Former Things")), but fresh, unprecedented acts of divine intervention that demonstrate His unique power and absolute control over history.

**Why did God reveal these things "now" and not "from the beginning"?**

Answer: God's timing in revealing these "new things" is explicitly stated in the verse: "lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them." This means God deliberately withheld this specific knowledge until the opportune moment, just before or during their fulfillment, to prevent Israel from claiming any prior insight, wisdom, or foresight regarding these events. It ensures that all credit and glory for these miraculous and unforeseen events belong solely to God. This divine strategy highlights His absolute sovereignty and distinguishes Him from impotent idols, whose worshippers could not foretell such monumental historical shifts. It reinforces the overarching theme that God alone is the source of all true knowledge and the orchestrator of history, as powerfully stated in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 48:7, with its profound emphasis on God's unique ability to declare "new things" not known "from the beginning" and to sovereignly bring them to pass, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The entire narrative of salvation, from the miraculous incarnation to the atoning death, glorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension, represents God's greatest "new thing"—a divine plan conceived in eternity, hidden for ages, and then revealed in the fullness of time. The coming of the Messiah, His substitutionary sacrifice, and His victory over sin and death were not things that humanity could have "known from the beginning" or predicted through their own wisdom, yet they were meticulously foretold in the Old Testament scriptures (as Jesus Himself explained to His disciples in [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Through Christ, God established a "new covenant" ([Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The New Covenant")), rendering the old one obsolete and bringing about a superior way of relationship with God. Furthermore, in Christ, believers are made "new creatures" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), experiencing a spiritual rebirth and a transformed identity that was previously inconceivable. Just as God prevented Israel from claiming credit for His acts of salvation and deliverance, so too in Christ, salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him alone, for "by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace")).

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.