What happensPermalink
God assures Israel that He created, redeemed, named, and loves them; through waters and fire, He remains with them. He will gather His scattered people from every direction and call them to witness that He alone is God and Savior. He will overthrow Babylon and make a way through the wilderness so His people may praise Him. Although Israel neglected worship and burdened God with sin, He promises to blot out their transgressions for His own sake.
Why it mattersPermalink
The God who created and redeemed Israel will gather them through a new exodus and forgive their sin for His glory. Their first deliverance becomes a pattern, yet the promised “new thing” will surpass it. Israel must witness that no other god or savior exists, a vocation echoed when Jesus sends His disciples in Acts 1:8. Their failure cannot exhaust the grace of the One who loves them.
Key versePermalink
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.