Does the structure of a passage of Scripture have anything to do with its meaning? There can be no better case study for the answer to this question than the passage of our concern: Isaiah 43:14-21. Not only does the passage swing on the center-point hinge (v. 18-19a) of ‘old things’ and ‘new things’ (a motif in Isaiah), but also a detailed chiasm has been uncovered that helps unlock the meaning and provide application for us today. The structure contains the meaning of this passage and provides a sort of timeline of God’s mighty acts on behalf of his people. The first half (14-17) focuses on what God has done in the past (the ‘things of old’); the second half (19b-21) is concerned with what God will do in the future (the ‘new thing’). God’s historical miracles of the Exodus and the release of God’s people from Babylonian captivity demonstrate his power, protection, and provision. As the people of God today, we can expect and receive the same care because he has promised it.
The power of God is seen in this passage on several levels. First of all, God reveals his sovereign reign over all of creation by controlling the very forces of nature. He promises to bring down the ships of Babylon (v. 14) and cites his work at the Red Sea as a previous example (when he extinguished Pharaoh’s army like a wick in v. 17b). Another way he demonstrates his sovereign power is how He can do good for his chosen people and bring harm to his enemies in the same miracle. Notice how in one sweeping event he spared his people by providing them a path through the Sea (v. 16) while bringing calamity to Pharaoh’s army (v. 17). In these ways, God demonstrates his saving power on behalf of his people, and we trust in his historical record to save us with his power when we need it the most.
Another aspect of God’s care that is revealed in this passage is his protection. Related to the attribute of power, the protection God’s people receive is apparent in this passage. The two enemies of Israel cited in this passage who were constant threats to Israel’s existence are Egypt and Babylon. Egypt had been dealt with in miraculous fashion and has become a major metaphor for God’s saving protection. Babylon, who would eventually carry Israel into exile, only achieved temporary victory, and that only by the hand of God’s judgment on Israel. The Persians would indeed defeat Babylon, as history has proven, and Israel would once again have a “way in the desert,” on order from the tolerable Persian King Cyrus, and a new sort of pilgrimage to the land flowing with milk and honey had commenced. The comparison between Egypt and Babylon is rich. We continue to experience God’s protection today from all of his enemies, both natural and supernatural.
A final attribute of God and how he acts on behalf of his people is provision. God’s acts in the past give him credibility to promise things in the future. When he says, “I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…I will give drink to my chosen people,” he fully intends on delivering his promise. This is why we can depend on him for our provision today. The provision is totally stored up in God’s care for his people, and, in this passage, does not have any conditions attached to it. The metaphoric theme of water throughout this passage is a very strong metaphor for the people of the Mediterranean region where water is a scarce commodity. This water metaphor communicates God’s provision through the powerful imagery of miraculous refreshment.
God has dealt with Egypt. In one sweeping motion, he provided a way of escape for his chosen people and a path of destruction for the Egyptian army. He also has delivered on his promise regarding Israel’s escape from Babylon, providing another sort of “path in the wilderness” back to the homeland. Because of the history of miracles on behalf of his people, we also trust in God’s power, protection, and provision in our lives.
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