I Will Do a New Thing

The Story

Every Israelite knew the story of the Red Sea. It was the greatest rescue in their history. God had split the sea, led them through on dry ground, and drowned Pharaoh’s army behind them. They told it to their children and sang about it in worship.

Now, through Isaiah, God spoke to a people who would one day be exiles in Babylon. And He reminded them of that night. I am the Lord, “which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters.” I am the one who brought out chariot and horse and army and laid them down, never to rise again.

Then God said something surprising.

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.”

Stop looking back, He said. Even at the Red Sea.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

Earlier in the same chapter, God had told them why He would do it. “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

Reflection