GOD IS ALWAYS READY TO DO NEW THINGS The Israelites had wearied God with their sin and disobedience, but God is faithful and promises once again to care for them and provide for them. In former times he rescued them from Egypt, parting the waters and throwing horse and rider into the torrent (Isa 43:16-17). But now God has a whole new chapter of the redemptive story in store for them. Part of it is what he tells them in this passage, that he will provide water in desolate places to turn a wasteland into a fruitful land. But Isaiah should also be read as a prophet of the coming Messiah. In this light, the rescue from slavery in Egypt is a sign and symbol of the rescue from slavery to sin and death. The passing through waters in the Red Sea is a foretaste of the passing through the waters of baptism. The salvation from Egypt did not create a new heart for the people, it did not cause their spirit to be regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit In this book be ready to Recieve grace to realize and engage with new things God will do