Israel’s persistent rebellion reminds us that divine warnings and patience may be frequent, yet turning from sin and listening to God requires humble hearts.
When Isaiah declares, “You have not heard, you have not known.” (v.8) he highlights the people’s spiritual deafness and ignorance toward the LORD’s words. The prophet Isaiah, who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah around 740-681 BC, confronts a nation that has long had access to divine revelation yet still remains oblivious by choice. The phrase “you have not heard, you have not known” (v.8) emphasizes that their failure to listen is not for lack of information, but rather a stubborn hardness of heart. This concept is echoed later in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently calls people away from hardened hearts and ears that do not truly hear (Mark 7:6).
Isaiah further reveals the reason behind their inattention by saying, “Even from long ago your ear has not been open, because I knew that you would deal very treacherously.” (v.8) Here, the Lord exposes the treacherous dealings of His chosen people, underscoring that their stubbornness was no surprise to Him. Throughout Israel’s history, repeated warnings and divine interventions were sent to turn them back from deceitful paths, but their unreceptive ears persisted. This treachery can be understood as a betrayal of the covenant relationship that God intended, one which required faithfulness and obedience (Exodus 19:5).
Finally, Isaiah proclaims “And you have been called a rebel from birth.” (v.8) to illustrate that Israel’s inclination toward rebellion runs deep in their culture and character. From their earliest days as a nation, they wrestled with the LORD’s commandments and showed resistance to His plans (Judges 2:11-15). Yet in the broader narrative of Scripture, God’s desire is to bring redemption through the ultimate faithful Servant, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between rebellion and restoration (John 14:6).
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Isaiah 48:8 meaning
When Isaiah declares, “You have not heard, you have not known.” (v.8) he highlights the people’s spiritual deafness and ignorance toward the LORD’s words. The prophet Isaiah, who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah around 740-681 BC, confronts a nation that has long had access to divine revelation yet still remains oblivious by choice. The phrase “you have not heard, you have not known” (v.8) emphasizes that their failure to listen is not for lack of information, but rather a stubborn hardness of heart. This concept is echoed later in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently calls people away from hardened hearts and ears that do not truly hear (Mark 7:6).
Isaiah further reveals the reason behind their inattention by saying, “Even from long ago your ear has not been open, because I knew that you would deal very treacherously.” (v.8) Here, the Lord exposes the treacherous dealings of His chosen people, underscoring that their stubbornness was no surprise to Him. Throughout Israel’s history, repeated warnings and divine interventions were sent to turn them back from deceitful paths, but their unreceptive ears persisted. This treachery can be understood as a betrayal of the covenant relationship that God intended, one which required faithfulness and obedience (Exodus 19:5).
Finally, Isaiah proclaims “And you have been called a rebel from birth.” (v.8) to illustrate that Israel’s inclination toward rebellion runs deep in their culture and character. From their earliest days as a nation, they wrestled with the LORD’s commandments and showed resistance to His plans (Judges 2:11-15). Yet in the broader narrative of Scripture, God’s desire is to bring redemption through the ultimate faithful Servant, Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between rebellion and restoration (John 14:6).