Isaiah 48:3 - Exposition

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, sud denly I wrought.