In Isaiah 42:10-17 we are urged to celebrate all things being made new by singing a new song .  God is depicted as a warrior in this new song.  He is the warrior who causes all things to become new through his refining warfare.  “The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal” (Isaiah 42:13).  God is first called a warrior in Exodus 15:3-4, where he rescued his helpless people by destroying the chariots of Egypt.  “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.  Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea” (Ex. 15:3-4).  When God comes as warrior there is no uncertainty about the outcome.  

Psalm 24:8 asks, “Who is this King of glory?”   The answer: “The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”  The people of Israel were told that God would fight for them.  “‘Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still'” (Ex. 13:14-15).  When Joshua was bidding  farewell to the Israelites, he reminded them, “It was the Lord your God who fought for you” (Joshua 23:3). When the people of God were rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah told them, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there.  Our God will fight for us!” (Neh. 4:20).  

Revelation depicts Jesus as a warrior.  “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice he judges and makes war.”  But king Jesus is also portrayed as the Lamb of God.  In a counterintuitive declaration, Revelation declares, “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers” (Rev. 17:14). 

The Lord is depicted in this new song as being aroused from silence: “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back.  But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant” (Is. 42:14). The ESV Study Bible notes, “As a woman cries out after finally going into labor, God at the time he knows is best, will exert himself to bring his purpose to fulfillment.”  Nothing in creation will stand in his way (v. 15).  

God will deliver his people.  “But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going.  I’ll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country.  I’ll be right there to show them what road to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.  These are the things I’ll be doing for them – sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute” (Is. 42:16 – Message). 

Men, it might seem like God is silent.  But in his time he will act with zeal.  God will lead the blind, while turning the darkness into light, making the rough places level.  Jesus, the mighty warrior is also the Lamb of God, who defeated evil on the cross.  His enemies will one day cry out, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand” (Rev 6:16).  But we will overcome,  “by the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 12:11) and by the word of our testimony.