Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
Isaiah 43:18 stands in Isaiah 41-45, where God very fully reveals His purpose for His people, a portion that should be prayerfully studied. In that setting the verse belongs to a revelation of God's purpose that directs His people to rely on His wisdom rather than finite human wisdom. It does not direct them to turn away from God or to seek wisdom from finite human beings, but to remember God and look to Him rather than looking to finite man.
The command not to remember former things nor consider old things is given because God will do a new thing that now springs forth. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert to give drink to His people, His chosen. The blessings will be so abundant and full that even the beasts of the field, the dragons and the owls, are benefited and honor Him. Yet in the same setting Jacob, Israel, did not call upon God but grew weary of Him. They brought no small cattle for burnt offerings and honored Him with no sacrifices, though He had not burdened them with an offering nor wearied them with incense; instead they burdened Him with sins and wearied Him with iniquities, yet for His own sake He blots out transgressions and will not remember sins.
The verse is included among prophecies fulfilled in the last days, when God's law is made void and He manifests great grace to His people. It teaches that painful events of the past should not be kept alive by repeatedly remembering, discussing, or writing about them. It applies as a call to forgiveness and to stop rehearsing past grievances. Dwelling on old injuries deepens sorrow, magnifies the wrongs of others, and darkens the present, while letting the past go makes room for God to heal a wounded spirit.
Isaiah 43:18 stands in Isaiah 41-45, where God very fully reveals His purpose for His people, a portion that should be prayerfully studied. In that setting the verse belongs to a revelation of God's purpose that directs His people to rely on His wisdom rather than finite human wisdom. It does not direct them to turn away from God or to seek wisdom from finite human beings, but to remember God and look to Him rather than looking to finite man.
The command not to remember former things nor consider old things is given because God will do a new thing that now springs forth. He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert to give drink to His people, His chosen. The blessings will be so abundant and full that even the beasts of the field, the dragons and the owls, are benefited and honor Him. Yet in the same setting Jacob, Israel, did not call upon God but grew weary of Him. They brought no small cattle for burnt offerings and honored Him with no sacrifices, though He had not burdened them with an offering nor wearied them with incense; instead they burdened Him with sins and wearied Him with iniquities, yet for His own sake He blots out transgressions and will not remember sins.
The verse is included among prophecies fulfilled in the last days, when God's law is made void and He manifests great grace to His people. It teaches that painful events of the past should not be kept alive by repeatedly remembering, discussing, or writing about them. It applies as a call to forgiveness and to stop rehearsing past grievances. Dwelling on old injuries deepens sorrow, magnifies the wrongs of others, and darkens the present, while letting the past go makes room for God to heal a wounded spirit.