The Lord Makes a New Way through the Wilderness
God makes a new way for his redeemed people.
Isaiah 43:14-21 (BSB)
14 Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake, I will send to Babylon and bring them all as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, and your King.”
16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea and a path through the surging waters,
17 who brings out the chariots and horses, the armies and warriors together, to lie down, never to rise again; to be extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.
19 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.
20 The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.
21 The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise.
What is the big idea of Isaiah 43:14-21?
God makes a new way for his redeemed people.
How does Isaiah 43:14-21 point to Christ?
Isaiah 43:14-21 proclaims a new redemptive act greater than the exodus. The gospel reveals that in Christ God inaugurates the ultimate new covenant deliverance, leading his redeemed people to praise.
Authorial Intent
To promise a new act of redemption surpassing the exodus and to call Israel to recognize the LORD’s transforming work.
Historical Context
Spoken in anticipation of exile, the passage promises deliverance from Babylon and restoration for God’s people.
Chapter: Isaiah 43
Fear Not, I Have Redeemed You
The LORD tells His fearful, scattered, sinful people not to fear because He has created, redeemed, called, claimed, loved, and gathered them for His glory, making them witnesses to His exclusive saving power and promising a new exodus grounded in mercy for His own sake.