1 I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;
3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable [things is in] their vessels;
5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
6 Behold, [it is] written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing [is] in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
11 But ye [are] they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose [that] wherein I delighted not.
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever [in that] which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner [being] an hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they [are] the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
Overview of Isaiah 65
Isaiah 65 presents a profound message from God regarding judgment and restoration. The chapter contrasts the fate of the faithful and the rebellious, emphasizing God’s desire for a relationship with His people and the consequences of their actions. It also offers a vision of a renewed creation, filled with joy and peace for those who follow God’s ways.
Key Themes
- God’s Invitation and Rejection: The chapter begins with God’s invitation to a people who have not sought Him, highlighting His openness and desire for relationship.
- Judgment on the Wicked: A stark contrast is drawn between the faithful and the rebellious, with a clear warning of the consequences for those who turn away from God.
- Restoration and New Creation: The latter part of the chapter offers a vision of hope, where God promises a new heaven and new earth, filled with joy and absence of suffering.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: God’s Open Invitation
In the opening verses, God expresses His willingness to be found by those who seek Him, even those who have not called upon His name. This highlights God’s grace and mercy, as He actively reaches out to a wayward people.
Verses 3-7: The Consequences of Rebellion
- Idolatry and Sin: God condemns the practices of the people, including idolatry and other sins, which have led them away from Him.
- Divine Judgment: The consequences of their actions are made clear; God will repay them for their deeds, indicating that there is a moral order in the universe.
- Separation from God: The rebellious will face exclusion from God’s blessings, illustrating the seriousness of turning away from Him.
Verses 8-10: A Remnant of Faithful
God speaks of a remnant that will be saved. This remnant is likened to new wine found in a cluster of grapes, symbolizing hope and preservation amid judgment. The faithful will inherit the land and experience joy, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked.
Verses 11-16: The Fate of the Rebellious
- Idolatry’s Consequences: Those who forsake the Lord for false gods will face dire consequences, emphasizing the futility of idolatry.
- God’s Judgment: The text warns that those who choose to ignore God will be left to their own devices, experiencing sorrow and loss.
- Contrast of Outcomes: The faithful will rejoice, while the unfaithful will mourn, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.
Verses 17-25: The New Creation
In a powerful vision of hope, God promises a new heaven and a new earth. This section describes a transformed world where joy, peace, and longevity prevail. The imagery used reflects a complete reversal of the current state of suffering and despair.
Key Elements of the New Creation:
- Joy and Gladness: God will create a place of joy for His people, eliminating sorrow and mourning.
- Longevity: The promise of long life signifies a restoration of the original intent of creation.
- Peaceful Coexistence: The imagery of harmony among creatures symbolizes the restoration of God’s order.
Conclusion
Isaiah 65 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice and mercy. It calls individuals to seek Him while also warning of the consequences of rebellion. The chapter concludes with a hopeful vision of restoration, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s ultimate plan for redemption and renewal.
