| Geneva Study Bible Behold, the former things have {p} come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (p) As in time past I have been true in my promises, so will I be in time to come. Wesley's Notes 42:9 I tell you - That when they come to pass, you may know that I am God, and that this is my work. Scofield Reference Notes Margin former things i.e. Isaiah's prediction of Sennacherib's invasion and its results, Isa. 10 and 37. See also, Isa 41:21-23 43:8-12 44:7 48:3,5,16. This appeal of the prophet to the fulfilment of his former predictions strongly confirms the unity of the book. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 9. former things-Former predictions of God, which were now fulfilled, are here adduced as proof that they ought to trust in Him alone as God; namely, the predictions as to Israel's restoration from Babylon. new-namely, predictions as to Messiah, who is to bring all nations to the worship of Jehovah (Isa 42:1, 4, 6). spring forth-The same image from plants just beginning to germinate occurs in Isa 43:19; 58:8. Before there is the slightest indication to enable a sagacious observer to infer the coming event, God foretells it. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 42:5-12 The work of redemption brings back man to the obedience he owes to God as his Maker. Christ is the light of the world. And by his grace he opens the understandings Satan has blinded, and sets at liberty from the bondage of sin. The Lord has supported his church. And now he makes new promises, which shall as certainly be fulfilled as the old ones were. When the Gentiles are brought into the church, he is glorified in them and by them. Let us give to God those things which are his, taking heed that we do not serve the creature more than the Creator. | 
