Isaiah 48:7

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

Study Bible

They are created now
This phrase emphasizes the immediacy and freshness of God's actions. In the Hebrew, the word for "created" is "bara," which is the same word used in Genesis 1:1, indicating a divine act of creation. This suggests that God is doing something entirely new, something that has not been seen or experienced before. It underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to bring forth new realities and possibilities in the lives of His people. Historically, this can be seen as a message of hope to the Israelites, who were in exile and longing for deliverance. It reassures them that God is actively working in their present situation.

and not long ago
This phrase contrasts the newness of God's creation with the past. It implies that what God is doing is not a continuation of the old but a fresh start. The Hebrew word for "long ago" is "me'az," which can also mean "from ancient times." This highlights the distinction between God's eternal nature and His timely interventions in human history. It serves as a reminder that while God is eternal, His actions are timely and relevant to the current needs of His people.

you have not heard of them before today
This phrase indicates that the people were previously unaware of what God was doing. The Hebrew word for "heard" is "shama," which means to hear, listen, or obey. This suggests that the people were not only unaware but perhaps also unprepared or unwilling to listen to God's new revelation. It challenges the audience to be attentive and open to God's voice and His unfolding plans. In a broader scriptural context, it calls believers to be vigilant and receptive to God's ongoing work in their lives.

so that you cannot claim
This phrase serves as a safeguard against human pride and self-reliance. It implies that God's actions are beyond human comprehension and control, ensuring that no one can take credit for what God alone has done. The Hebrew word for "claim" is "amar," which means to say or declare. This highlights the importance of humility and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It reminds believers that all glory and honor belong to God, and it is He who orchestrates the events of history for His purposes.

I already knew them
This final phrase addresses the human tendency to claim foreknowledge or understanding of God's plans. It serves as a rebuke to those who might boast in their own wisdom or insight. The Hebrew word for "knew" is "yada," which means to know intimately or experientially. This underscores the depth of God's knowledge compared to human understanding. It calls believers to trust in God's wisdom and to recognize that His ways are higher than our ways. In a spiritual sense, it encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God's revelation rather than human reasoning.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book that bears his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often the audience of Isaiah's prophecies. Judah faced threats from surrounding nations and was eventually exiled to Babylon.

3. Babylonian Exile
A significant event in Jewish history where the people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon. Isaiah's prophecies often address the themes of exile and restoration.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Revelation
God reveals new things according to His divine plan and timing. We must remain open to His revelations and not rely solely on past knowledge.

Humility in Learning
The verse challenges us to approach God's word with humility, acknowledging that we do not know everything and must be open to new insights.

Trust in God's Timing
Just as God revealed new things to Judah, He continues to work in our lives in His perfect timing. Trusting in His timing is crucial for spiritual growth.

Embrace New Beginnings
As God creates new things, we are encouraged to embrace new beginnings in our spiritual journey, leaving behind past failures and moving forward in faith.

Avoiding Spiritual Complacency
The warning against claiming prior knowledge serves as a reminder to avoid spiritual complacency and to seek continual growth in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in revealing new things impact your daily walk with Him?

2. In what ways can you cultivate humility in your approach to learning from Scripture and from others?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "new beginning" in your spiritual life. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How can you actively trust in God's timing when facing uncertainty or waiting for answers?

5. What steps can you take to avoid spiritual complacency and ensure continual growth in your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 42:9
This verse speaks of new things being declared before they spring into being, similar to Isaiah 48:7, emphasizing God's sovereignty in revealing new revelations.

2 Corinthians 5:17
This New Testament verse speaks of believers being a new creation in Christ, paralleling the theme of newness found in Isaiah 48:7.

Revelation 21:5
This verse speaks of God making all things new, connecting to the theme of new creation and divine revelation in Isaiah 48:7.