Isaiah 48:7

“They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.”

Isaiah 48:7 (KJV) says: “They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.” This verse is part of the prophecy given by the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites. In this particular passage, God is speaking to the Israelites and addressing their disobedience and idolatry.

Let’s break down the verse to gain a better understanding of its meaning.

“They are created now, and not from the beginning”: This phrase refers to the fact that the Israelites, as a nation, were chosen and formed by God for a specific purpose. However, the Israelites were not the first people chosen by God, as He had dealt with other nations and individuals before them. The emphasis here is on God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring forth His plan and purpose through His chosen people.

“Even before the day when thou heardest them not”: This phrase highlights the faithfulness of God. It reminds the Israelites that God had been aware of them and had plans for them even before they knew Him or acknowledged His existence. It underscores God’s prevenient grace, which means His working in people’s lives even before they respond to Him.

“Lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them”: This phrase expresses God’s foreknowledge and wisdom. God knew the Israelites even before they came to know Him, so that they couldn’t claim credit for their existence or their position as God’s chosen people. It reminds them that their identity and purpose come from God alone, and they should not boast in their own accomplishments or believe that they achieved their status by their own power.

Overall, Isaiah 48:7 emphasizes God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and foreknowledge. It reminds the Israelites of their dependence on God and discourages them from taking credit for their own existence or position as God’s chosen people. It is a call to humility and a reminder that God’s plans and purposes extend beyond their understanding and perception.

This verse also carries a broader lesson for us today. It reminds us that God has a plan for each of our lives, even before we acknowledge Him or recognize His hand at work. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and to humbly submit to His purposes, knowing that He knows us intimately and desires the best for us.