God reveals newness to His people so they will not attribute it to their own knowledge or idols.
“They are created now and not long ago; And before today you have not heard them, So that you will not say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’” (v.7) The LORD, speaking through the prophet Isaiah (who ministered in Judah around 740-681 BC), emphasizes that what He brings forth is entirely new, and not something people can claim to have predicted or anticipated beforehand. This statement underscores God’s sovereignty in revealing fresh proclamations of His plan. Isaiah directs these words primarily to the people of Judah, who are living under the looming threat of exile in Babylon. By announcing new things they have never heard, God shows His power to transcend even their unfaithfulness, making sure that any knowledge or deliverance they receive can only come from Him and not from their own wisdom.
In a broader sense, “They are created now and not long ago” (v.7) can also reflect how God, throughout biblical history, consistently unveils new aspects of His redemption story, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Luke 24:44-47). The LORD ensures there is no room to boast for anyone other than Him (1 Corinthians 1:31). From the perspective of faith, this verse underlines the need for believers to remain open to God’s initiatives, recognizing that God’s plans often exceed human expectations and prior experiences. It reminds us that God’s revelation is not constrained by human limitations, and it points forward to the eventual unfolding of the new covenant in Christ.
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Isaiah 48:7 meaning
“They are created now and not long ago; And before today you have not heard them, So that you will not say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’” (v.7) The LORD, speaking through the prophet Isaiah (who ministered in Judah around 740-681 BC), emphasizes that what He brings forth is entirely new, and not something people can claim to have predicted or anticipated beforehand. This statement underscores God’s sovereignty in revealing fresh proclamations of His plan. Isaiah directs these words primarily to the people of Judah, who are living under the looming threat of exile in Babylon. By announcing new things they have never heard, God shows His power to transcend even their unfaithfulness, making sure that any knowledge or deliverance they receive can only come from Him and not from their own wisdom.
In a broader sense, “They are created now and not long ago” (v.7) can also reflect how God, throughout biblical history, consistently unveils new aspects of His redemption story, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Luke 24:44-47). The LORD ensures there is no room to boast for anyone other than Him (1 Corinthians 1:31). From the perspective of faith, this verse underlines the need for believers to remain open to God’s initiatives, recognizing that God’s plans often exceed human expectations and prior experiences. It reminds us that God’s revelation is not constrained by human limitations, and it points forward to the eventual unfolding of the new covenant in Christ.