Isaiah 48:3 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Isaiah 48:3

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

I have declared the former things from the beginning (comp. Isaiah 41:26; Isaiah 43:9, Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:7, Isaiah 44:8, etc.). "Former things" are here contrasted with the "new things" of Isaiah 48:6.

Two cycles of prophecy seem to be intended—one of comparatively ancient date, the other quite fresh—both equally showing forth the power of God and his infinite superiority to the idols. It is difficult to determine what the two cycles of prophecy are.

Delitzsch suggests that "the former things are the events experienced by the people from the very earliest times down to the times of Cyrus," while "the new things embrace the redemption of Israel from Babylon, the glorification of the people in the midst of a world of nations converted to the God of Israel, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth."

Dr. Kay thinks that the "former things" are those mentioned in the prophecies concerning Babylon generally, the "new things those about to be announced in Isaiah 49-56. I did them suddenly; rather, suddenly I wrought.

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Isaiah 48 — OverviewIsaiah 48 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleGod, having in the foregoing chapter reckoned with the Babylonians, and shown them their sins and the desolation that was coming upon them for their sins, to show that he hates sin wherever he finds it and will…Isaiah 48 — OverviewIsaiah 48 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeIsaiah 48:1, God, to convince the people of their foreknown obstinancy, revealed his prophecies; Isaiah 48:9, He saves them for his own sake; Isaiah 48:12, He exhorts them to obedience, because of his power and…Isaiah 48 — OverviewIsaiah 48 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe prophecy of this chapter is concerning the deliverance and salvation of the Jews, and is addressed unto them; who are described by their natural descent and lineage, and by their hypocrisy in religious things, Isa…Isaiah 48:1-8Isaiah 48:1-8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe may observe here, I. The hypocritical profession which many of the Jews made of religion and relation to God. To those who made such a profession the prophet is here ordered to address himself, for their…Isaiah 48:1-9Isaiah 48:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryThings worth heeding concerning God and man. "Hear ye this:" this is something well worth the earnest attention of men; their truest worth and their lasting interests are bound up in the knowledge and regard of it. I.…Isaiah 48:1-11Isaiah 48:1-11 · The Pulpit Commentary"Hear ye this," etc.; Isaiah 48:12-15, "Hearken unto me," etc.; Isaiah 48:16-22, "Come ye near unto me, hear ye this," etc.

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