You have heard these things;This phrase refers to the prophecies and declarations previously given by God through Isaiah. The Israelites were familiar with God's words and His promises, having been reminded of them repeatedly. This highlights the importance of listening and remembering God's revelations, as seen in
Deuteronomy 6:4-9, where the Israelites are commanded to keep God's words in their hearts and teach them diligently.
look at them all.
Here, the emphasis is on observing the fulfillment of God's words. The Israelites are called to witness the evidence of God's faithfulness and power. This mirrors the call inPsalm 46:8 to "come and see what the LORD has done," encouraging reflection on God's mighty works and fulfilled prophecies.
Will you not acknowledge them?
This rhetorical question challenges the Israelites to recognize and admit the truth of God's actions and words. It underscores the human tendency to ignore or forget divine intervention, as seen in the repeated forgetfulness of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3). Acknowledgment is a call to faith and repentance, aligning with the call inRomans 1:20 to recognize God's invisible qualities through His creation.
From now on I will tell you of new things,
God promises to reveal new revelations and plans, indicating His ongoing communication with His people. This points to the progressive nature of divine revelation, as seen in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13).
hidden things unknown to you.
These "hidden things" suggest mysteries of God's will and future events that were previously concealed. This aligns with the biblical theme of God revealing mysteries to His prophets (Amos 3:7) and the ultimate revelation of the mystery of Christ, which was hidden for ages but revealed in the New Testament (Colossians 1:26-27). It emphasizes God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan in His perfect timing.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He served as a prophet in Judah and delivered messages from God concerning judgment and redemption.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Isaiah primarily ministered. The people of Judah were often the recipients of Isaiah's prophecies, which included calls to repentance and promises of future restoration.
3.
God's RevelationThe event of God revealing His plans and purposes to His people. In this context, God is reminding the people of Judah of His past revelations and introducing new ones.
Teaching Points
Acknowledging God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control and has a plan that He reveals in His timing. Trust in His wisdom and timing for revealing new things in your life.
Openness to New RevelationsBe open to the new things God wants to show you. This requires a heart willing to listen and a mind ready to understand His ways.
Reflecting on Past RevelationsConsider how God has already worked in your life. Reflect on past experiences and lessons as a foundation for understanding new insights.
Admitting God's WorkHumbly admit and acknowledge the work God has done and is doing. This involves confessing His hand in both the seen and unseen aspects of life.
Seeking God's GuidanceActively seek God's guidance through prayer and study of His Word, trusting that He will reveal what you need to know in His perfect timing.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 48:6?
2.How can we "see all this" and apply it to our lives today?
3.What "new things" might God be revealing to us in Isaiah 48:6?
4.How does Isaiah 48:6 connect with God's promises in other Scriptures?
5.Why is it important to acknowledge God's revelations as stated in Isaiah 48:6?
6.How can we ensure we are attentive to God's revelations in our lives?
7.What new things does Isaiah 48:6 reveal that challenge traditional beliefs?
8.How does Isaiah 48:6 relate to God's omniscience and prophecy?
9.Why does Isaiah 48:6 emphasize hearing and seeing new things?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 48?
11.Why does Isaiah 48:6–7 mention “new things” suddenly revealed, if God’s will or word is supposed to be consistent and unchanging?
12.What does God reveal about hidden secrets?
13.What does God reveal about hidden secrets?
14.Psalm 48:9-10: How can God's praise 'reach the ends of the earth' if many ancient and modern cultures have never adopted the Israelite concept of God?What Does Isaiah 48:6 Mean
You have heard these things“ You have heard these things ” (Isaiah 48:6) points back to the prophecies God had already spoken and fulfilled.
• Earlier in the chapter, the Lord reminds Israel, “I foretold the former things long ago; they came out of My mouth; I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass” (Isaiah 48:3).
• Just as Moses said, “From heaven He let you hear His voice to discipline you” (Deuteronomy 4:36), the people had been given ample revelation.
• God’s faithfulness to His word distinguishes Him from idols (Isaiah 44:7–8) and underlines the expectation that His people should remember what they have already received.
Look at them all“ Look at them all ” calls for deliberate reflection on the evidence.
• Miracles like the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14:31) and the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 23:14) stand as tangible proof that every promise God makes, He keeps.
•Psalm 111:2 affirms, “Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Israel is urged to review the catalog of fulfilled promises and see God’s hand.
• This principle endures for believers today: track God’s past faithfulness to bolster present trust.
Will you not acknowledge them?“ Will you not acknowledge them? ” confronts stubborn hearts.
• Despite undeniable evidence, Israel resisted admitting God’s sovereignty—much like later generations who, though seeing Jesus’ miracles, still “did not believe in Him” (John 12:37).
•Romans 1:21 describes the same refusal: “Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks.”
• The verse presses for confession—agreeing with God about what He has done and who He is.
From now on I will tell you of new thingsWith the past record established, the Lord moves forward: “From now on I will tell you of new things.”
•Isaiah 42:9 echoes this pledge: “Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things; before they spring forth I announce them to you.”
• Immediately, that “new thing” included the rise of Cyrus who would free the exiles (Isaiah 45:1–4)—a prophecy given 150 years in advance.
• Ultimately, the promise stretches to the greater deliverance accomplished by the Messiah (Isaiah 52:13–53:12), showing that God’s revelation is progressive yet always rooted in His unchanging character.
Hidden things unknown to youGod adds, “hidden things unknown to you.”
•Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The hidden things belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us.” Here, God graciously moves some truths from the hidden category into the revealed.
•Jeremiah 33:3 offers the same assurance: “Call to Me and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
• For the New Testament believer,1 Corinthians 2:9–10 affirms that the Spirit now uncovers what eye has not seen nor ear heard. God delights to draw His people deeper into His purposes when they humble themselves and listen.
summaryIsaiah 48:6 is a divine wake-up call. God reminds Israel that they have already heard and seen His faithfulness, urges them to examine the evidence, confronts their reluctance to admit the truth, and then graciously promises fresh revelation—some of it long concealed. The verse challenges every generation to remember what God has done, acknowledge His sovereignty, and stay attentive as He unveils the next chapter of His redemptive plan.
(6)
Thou hast heard . . .--The appeal is to the conscience of the exiles. They had heard the prediction. They are bidden to consider it all. Should not they declare the impression it had made on them?
I have shewed thee.--Better,I shew thee,as a present incipient act.
New things.--The "new things" are those that lie in a more distant future than the conquests of Cyrus, which are referred to as "former things."
Verse 6. -
Thou hast heard, see all this; rather,
thou didst hear, (
now)
see it all,
i.e. see all the prophecies now fulfilled, which thou heardest in days gone by.
Will ye not declare it? Will ye not for very shame make known generally the accordance between the prophecies and the events, which you cannot fail to see? Will ye not become "my witnesses" (
Isaiah 43:10), and turn away from your idols?
I have showed thee; rather,
I show thee;
i.e. "I am about to show thee from this time new things,
even hidden things, which thou knowest not" - things belonging to the new cycle of prophecy, not previously announced, but reserved for the present crisis (see the comment on ver. 3). On the whole, the language used seems most consonant with the view of Dr. Kay, that the "new things" are those about to be revealed in the next section of the prophecy (
Isaiah 49-53), things belonging to the coming of Christ, and the "new creation" which it will be the great object of his coming to bring about.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You have heard [these things];שָׁמַ֤עְתָּֽ(šā·ma‘·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlylook atחֲזֵה֙(ḥă·zêh)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2372:To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision ofthem all.כֻּלָּ֔הּ(kul·lāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyWill youוְאַתֶּ֖ם(wə·’at·tem)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and younotהֲל֣וֹא(hă·lō·w)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noacknowledge it?תַגִּ֑ידוּ(ṯag·gî·ḏū)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5046:To be conspicuousFrom now onמֵעַ֔תָּה(mê·‘at·tāh)Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timeI will tell you ofהִשְׁמַעְתִּ֤יךָ(hiš·ma‘·tî·ḵā)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlynew things,חֲדָשׁוֹת֙(ḥă·ḏā·šō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 2319:Newhidden thingsוּנְצֻר֖וֹת(ū·nə·ṣu·rō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 5341:To watch, guard, keepunknown to you.וְלֹ֥א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 48:6 You have heard it (Isa Isi Is) 
