◄ Isaiah 65 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Judgments and Promises (Romans 10:1–21) 1“I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me.a To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ 2All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate peopleb who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations, 3to a people who continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in the gardens and burning incense on altars of brick, 4sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. 5They say, ‘Keep to yourself; do not come near me, for I am holier than you!’ Such people are smoke in My nostrils, a fire that burns all day long. 6Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps, 7both for your iniquities and for those of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned incense on the mountains and scorned Me on the hills, I will measure into their laps full payment for their former deeds.” 8This is what the LORD says: “As the new wine is found in a cluster of grapes, and men say, ‘Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all. 9And I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and heirs from Judah; My elect will possess My mountains,c and My servants will dwell there. 10Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me. 11But you who forsake the LORD, who forget My holy mountain, who set a table for Fortuned and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny,e 12I will destine you for the sword, and you will all kneel down to be slaughtered, because I called and you did not answer, I spoke and you did not listen; you did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.” 13Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. 14My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. 15You will leave behind your name as a curse for My chosen ones, and the Lord GOD will slay you; but to His servants He will give another name. 16Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight. A New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1–8) 17For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.f The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight. 19I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. 20No longer will a nursing infant live but a few days, or an old man fail to live out his years. For the youth will die at a hundred years, and he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22No longer will they build houses for others to inhabit, nor plant for others to eat. For as is the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands. 23They will not labor in vain or bear children doomed to disaster; for they will be a people blessed by the LORD— they and their descendants with them. 24Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpentg will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,” says the LORD. Footnotes: 1 a Cited in Romans 10:20 2 b LXX to a disobedient and obstinate people; cited in Romans 10:21 9 c Or and heirs to My mountains out of Judah; My elect will possess them 11 d Hebrew Gad, the Babylonian god of fortune 11 e Hebrew Meni, the Babylonian god of fate 17 f LXX a new heaven and a new earth; see also Isaiah 66:22 and Revelation 21:1. 25 g Hebrew nachash; translated in most cases as snake Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Isaiah 65 Summary A New Heaven and a New Earth Verses 1 – 2 – God’s Open Invitation The Lord declares that people who never sought Him have found Him while His own covenant family is still resisting. With outstretched hands He repeats, “Here am I,” but they walk in their own ways. Verses 3 – 7 – Rebellion and Inevitable Judgment Incense is burned in pagan gardens, unclean meals are eaten among tombs, and a smug, “Keep away, I’m holier than you,” rises like acrid smoke. God records every act and promises full repayment to the rebels and their ancestors who practiced the same defiance. Verses 8 – 10 – A Preserved Remnant Inherits the Land Just as new wine in a cluster keeps the vine from being destroyed, a faithful remnant keeps the nation from total ruin. These servants will pasture in the lush Plain of Sharon and in the once-cursed Valley of Achor. Verses 11 – 16 – Two Paths, Two Outcomes Those who set a banquet for the gods of Fortune and Destiny will be destined for the sword, hunger, and shame. God’s servants, by contrast, will eat, drink, rejoice, and receive a new name; they will bless themselves “by the God of truth.” Verses 17 – 25 – New Heavens, New Earth, New Joy God unveils a future where former sorrows are forgotten, Jerusalem rings with gladness, lifespans stretch, labor is rewarded, and even animal instincts are tamed: “The wolf and the lamb will feed together… They will do no harm on all My holy mountain.” Isaiah 65 is a profoundly emotive chapter in the Old Testament that highlights God's relentless pursuit of His people, despite their constant rebellion and unfaithfulness. It delves into themes of divine mercy, judgement, the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, and the promise of a new creation. Historical Setting Isaiah ministered in Judah around 740–680 B.C. The chapter answers the community’s cry after the exile, yet it also stretches into the distant future, showing how God will settle accounts once and for all. Literary Flow Chapters 63–66 form a dialogue: the people lament, God replies. Chapter 65 is His answer—judgment for obstinate sinners, mercy for the remnant, and a sweeping new-creation vision. Gentile Inclusion Foretold Verse 1, quoted in Romans 10:20, explains how non-Jews would come to faith. God’s global plan, hinted in Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6, explodes in the New Testament mission. Idolatry in the Gardens, Graves, and Groves • Gardens: Canaanite tree worship sites discovered at Gezer and Lachish. • Graves: Ugaritic texts describe summoning dead spirits—exactly the practice Isaiah condemns. • Unclean food: Leviticus 11:7 forbids pork; eating it here flaunts rebellion. • Spiritual pride: mirrored in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and tax collector (Luke 18:11). Sharon and the Valley of Achor Sharon’s fertile coastline and Achor’s former place of judgment (Joshua 7) testify that God turns curses into blessings for His faithful ones. Fortune (Gad) and Destiny (Meni) Aramaic inscriptions tie these names to astral deities. Offering them food challenged God’s sovereignty; He responds with a play on words: you choose Destiny, so I destine you for the sword. The Remnant Principle From Noah to the 7,000 in Elijah’s day (1 Kings 19:18), God keeps a faithful core. Isaiah 65:8–10 anchors that pattern and foreshadows Jesus’ “little flock” (Luke 12:32). Blessing and Curse Reversed Seven contrasts (eat/hunger, drink/thirst, etc.) echo Deuteronomy 28. Faith flips the curse into blessing while unbelief inherits the warning. New Heavens and New Earth Verse 17 sparks later revelations—2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1. Key notes: forgotten grief, secure housing, productive labor, and universal peace (compare Isaiah 11:6-9). Archaeological Glimpses Incense altars with zodiac symbols at Arad, brick altars in Assyrian reliefs, and Yahwistic jar handles from Persian-period Jerusalem all align with Isaiah’s imagery of borrowed idols and returning remnant. Language and Imagery “Hinneni” (“Here am I”) in verse 1 radiates urgency. “Smoke in My nostrils” (v. 5) evokes chaff sparks that sting the eyes. The vine cluster image (v. 8) flips Isaiah 5’s vineyard theme from judgment to mercy. Connections to Jesus and the Early Church • Romans 10:20 cites v. 1. • Jesus’ banquet parable (Matthew 22) mirrors vv. 11-13. • The Lord’s Supper anticipates the servant feast (v. 13). • Revelation 2:17; 3:12 echo the “new name” (v. 15). Practical Implications for Today 1. God’s invitation still reaches outsiders—believers must not hinder it. 2. Religious smugness is as offensive to God as outright idolatry. 3. Hope in a restored creation fuels perseverance amid brokenness. 4. Choosing God’s table over the world’s idols determines destiny. End-Times Lens Many view vv. 17-25 as Messiah’s earthly reign preceding the final eternal state unveiled in Revelation 21–22—long lifespans yet death still possible, followed by death’s final removal. Messianic Hints The unnamed “servants” inherit blessings secured by the singular Servant of Isaiah 53. Their joy, new name, and feast overflow from His sacrifice. Key Cross-References Deuteronomy 32:21; Romans 10:20; Hosea 2:15; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4. Conclusion Isaiah 65 confronts stubborn hearts, preserves a faithful few, opens the door to all nations, and points toward a world where conflict, death, and sorrow disappear under God’s everlasting joy. Connections to Additional Scriptures Romans 10:20-21 Paul references Isaiah 65:1-2 to illustrate God’s outreach to the Gentiles and the persistent disobedience of Israel. Revelation 21:1-4 John’s vision of the new heaven and new earth echoes the promises found in Isaiah 65:17-25. 2 Peter 3:13 Peter speaks of the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells, reinforcing the hope of Isaiah 65. Teaching Points God’s Readiness to Be Found Isaiah 65:1-2 highlights God’s willingness to reveal Himself to those who do not seek Him, emphasizing His grace and patience. I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me (Isaiah 65:1). Rebellion and Consequences Verses 2-7 describe the rebellious nature of the people and the resulting judgment. God stretches out His hands to a disobedient people, yet they continue in their own ways. A Remnant Preserved Despite widespread disobedience, God promises to preserve a faithful remnant. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and heirs to My mountains from Judah; My chosen ones will possess it, and My servants will dwell there (Isaiah 65:9). The New Creation Verses 17-25 paint a picture of the new heavens and new earth, where former troubles are forgotten, and joy and peace abound. For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind (Isaiah 65:17). God’s Justice and Mercy The chapter contrasts the fate of the faithful and the unfaithful, underscoring God’s justice and mercy. Practical Applications Seek God Actively Even when God reveals Himself, it is crucial for us to actively seek Him and respond to His call. Reflect on Our Actions Consider areas in our lives where we may be rebelling against God’s will and seek His forgiveness and guidance. Hope in God’s Promises Hold fast to the hope of the new creation, allowing it to inspire and motivate us in our daily walk with God. Embrace God’s Justice and Mercy Trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy, knowing that He will reward the faithful and deal justly with the unfaithful. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Isaiah 65, the LORD speaks throughout the chapter, expressing His intentions, judgments, and promises. The Hebrew name used is יהוה (YHWH), which is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. 2. A Nation that Did Not Call on My Name This refers to the Gentiles or non-Israelite nations who were not originally seeking God but are now being reached out to by Him. This reflects God's openness to those outside of Israel. 3. A Rebellious People This term describes the Israelites who have turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and disobedience. The Hebrew word for "rebellious" is סוֹרֵר (sorer), indicating a stubborn refusal to follow God's ways. 4. Those Who Walk in Ways Not Good This group includes individuals who persist in sinful behaviors and practices that are contrary to God's commands. 5. Those Who Sacrifice in Gardens These are people who engage in pagan worship practices, which were often conducted in gardens or groves, contrary to the worship of Yahweh. 6. Those Who Sit Among the Graves This refers to individuals involved in necromancy or seeking the dead, practices forbidden in the Hebrew Scriptures. 7. Those Who Eat the Flesh of Pigs This group is characterized by their consumption of unclean foods, specifically pork, which was prohibited under the Mosaic Law. 8. My Servants This term is used to describe the faithful remnant of Israel who remain loyal to God. They are promised blessings and a future inheritance. 9. My Chosen Ones Similar to "My Servants," this refers to those selected by God for His purposes, often seen as the faithful believers who will inherit God's promises. 10. The Offspring of Jacob This phrase refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), highlighting the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. 11. The Offspring of Judah This specifically points to the descendants of the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the messianic lineage and the promises associated with this tribe. 12. The One Who Blesses Himself in the Land This person is someone who finds their blessing and identity in the land promised by God, reflecting a life aligned with God's will. 13. The One Who Swears by the God of Truth This individual acknowledges and honors God as the ultimate truth, living a life of integrity and faithfulness. Places 1. Jerusalem Description Jerusalem is depicted as a place of joy and delight. In Isaiah 65:18, it is described as a city that God will create anew, where the former troubles are forgotten. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem, "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), signifies a foundation of peace, reflecting its intended role as a center of divine presence and harmony. 2. Zion Description While not explicitly named in Isaiah 65, Zion is often synonymous with Jerusalem in prophetic literature. It represents the spiritual and physical restoration of God's people. The Hebrew "צִיּוֹן" (Tziyon) conveys the idea of a marked or distinct place, emphasizing its significance as a holy site. 3. Valley of Achor Description Mentioned in Isaiah 65:10, the Valley of Achor is promised to become a resting place for herds. Historically, it was a place of trouble (as "Achor" means "trouble" in Hebrew), but here it symbolizes transformation and hope, turning from a site of past judgment to one of future blessing. 4. Sharon Description In Isaiah 65:10, Sharon is described as a pasture for flocks. Known for its fertile plains, Sharon represents abundance and provision. The Hebrew "שָׁרוֹן" (Sharon) suggests a place of level ground, indicative of its agricultural richness. Events 1. God's Readiness to be Found (Isaiah 65:1) God declares His willingness to be found by those who did not seek Him, saying, "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me." This reflects God's grace and initiative in reaching out to the Gentiles, as seen in the Hebrew word "נִדְרַשְׁתִּי" (nidrashti), meaning "I was sought." 2. Rebellion of the People (Isaiah 65:2-3) God laments the rebellion of His people, who walk in ways not good and provoke Him continually. He says, "All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people." The Hebrew word "סוֹרֵר" (sorer) indicates stubbornness or rebellion. 3. Idolatrous Practices Condemned (Isaiah 65:3-5) The people engage in idolatrous practices, such as sacrificing in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick. God condemns these actions, highlighting their spiritual impurity. 4. Judgment and Retribution (Isaiah 65:6-7) God promises to repay the iniquities of the people, stating, "I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps." The concept of divine retribution is emphasized here. 5. Promise of a Remnant (Isaiah 65:8-10) Despite the judgment, God promises to preserve a remnant, saying, "As when juice is found in a cluster of grapes and people say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is still a blessing in it,’ so will I do on behalf of My servants." The Hebrew word "שָׁרִיד" (sharid) refers to the remnant. 6. Blessings for God's Servants (Isaiah 65:13-14) God contrasts the fate of His servants with that of the wicked, promising joy and satisfaction for His servants: "My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty." 7. New Heavens and a New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-19) God declares the creation of new heavens and a new earth, where former things will not be remembered. This eschatological promise is a vision of ultimate restoration and peace. 8. Joy and Prosperity in Jerusalem (Isaiah 65:18-19) God promises joy and delight in Jerusalem, saying, "I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in My people." The Hebrew word "שָׂשׂוֹן" (sason) means joy or exultation. 9. Longevity and Security (Isaiah 65:20-23) The new creation will be marked by longevity and security, where people will live long lives and enjoy the fruits of their labor without fear of loss. 10. Peaceful Coexistence (Isaiah 65:25) The chapter concludes with a vision of peace, where "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This imagery symbolizes harmony and the absence of violence in God's restored creation. Lessons from Isaiah 65 1. The Promise of New Heavens and a New Earth Isaiah 65:17 declares, "For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." This promise is a reminder of the hope we have in God's ultimate plan for renewal and restoration. It encourages us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, knowing that God is preparing something far greater than we can imagine. 2. Joy and Delight in God's Creation In verse 18, God calls us to "be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create." This is an invitation to find joy in the works of God's hands and to celebrate His creativity. By appreciating the beauty around us, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, recognizing that every good thing comes from Him. 3. The Blessing of Long Life Isaiah 65:20 speaks of a time when "the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child." This vision of longevity is a testament to God's desire for us to experience fullness of life. It challenges us to live purposefully, making the most of our days and investing in what truly matters. 4. The Promise of Peace and Prosperity Verse 21-22 describes a future where people "will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit." This imagery of stability and abundance reflects God's heart for His people to live in peace and prosperity. It encourages us to trust in His provision and to work diligently, knowing that our labor is not in vain. 5. The Assurance of God's Presence Isaiah 65:24 offers a comforting promise: "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." This assurance of God's attentive presence reminds us that He is always near, ready to listen and respond to our needs. It invites us to cultivate a life of prayer, confident in His love and care. 6. The Harmony of Creation In verse 25, we read, "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This vision of harmony in creation points to a future where peace reigns and all of God's creatures coexist without fear. It inspires us to pursue peace in our relationships and to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world. 7. The Call to Righteousness Isaiah 65:12 warns of the consequences of rejecting God's call: "I called, but you did not answer; I spoke, but you did not listen." This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God's voice and walking in righteousness. It challenges us to align our lives with His will and to be attentive to His guidance. 8. The Joy of God's People Verse 19 promises, "I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in My people." This declaration of God's joy in His people is a powerful reminder of our identity as His beloved children. It encourages us to live in a way that brings delight to our Heavenly Father, knowing that we are cherished and valued by Him. 9. The Consequences of Rebellion Isaiah 65:6-7 highlights the reality of judgment for those who persist in rebellion: "I will repay them in full." This serves as a warning of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance. It calls us to examine our hearts and to turn away from anything that separates us from God. 10. The Invitation to a New Beginning Finally, Isaiah 65:1 offers hope for all: "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me." This invitation to a new beginning is a testament to God's grace and mercy. It reminds us that no matter our past, we can always turn to Him and find forgiveness and a fresh start. Topics 1. God’s Readiness to Be Found (Isaiah 65:1-2) In these verses, God expresses His willingness to be found by those who did not seek Him. The Hebrew word for "found" (נִדְרַשׁ, nidrash) implies a proactive revelation of God to the nations. God stretches out His hands to a rebellious people, highlighting His patience and desire for relationship. 2. Rebellion and Idolatry of the People (Isaiah 65:3-5) The passage describes the people's continuous provocation of God through idolatrous practices. The Hebrew term for "provoke" (כַּעַס, kaas) indicates a deliberate act of defiance. The people engage in rituals that are detestable to God, such as offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick. 3. Judgment and Retribution (Isaiah 65:6-7) God declares that He will repay the iniquities of the people. The concept of "recompense" (שִׁלֵּם, shillem) in Hebrew underscores the certainty of divine justice. The sins of the ancestors are also mentioned, emphasizing the continuity of rebellion and the resulting judgment. 4. Promise of a Remnant (Isaiah 65:8-10) Despite the judgment, God promises to preserve a remnant. The imagery of new wine found in a cluster (verse 8) symbolizes hope and preservation. The Hebrew word for "remnant" (שְׁאָר, she'ar) conveys the idea of a surviving group that will inherit God's blessings. 5. Contrast Between the Faithful and the Unfaithful (Isaiah 65:11-12) A stark contrast is drawn between those who forsake the Lord and those who serve Him. The unfaithful are destined for the sword, while the faithful are called to serve God. The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עָזַב, azav) indicates abandonment and neglect of God. 6. Blessings for God’s Servants (Isaiah 65:13-16) God promises blessings for His servants, including joy, satisfaction, and a new name. The Hebrew word for "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) highlights their role and relationship with God. The faithful will be called by a new name, signifying transformation and divine favor. 7. Creation of New Heavens and a New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-19) God announces the creation of new heavens and a new earth, where former things will not be remembered. The Hebrew term for "create" (בָּרָא, bara) is the same used in Genesis 1:1, indicating a divine act of bringing something entirely new into existence. 8. Joy and Prosperity in the New Jerusalem (Isaiah 65:20-25) The passage concludes with a vision of joy and prosperity in the new Jerusalem. Longevity, peace, and harmony characterize this future state. The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) captures the exuberant joy that will fill the city, reflecting God's ultimate restoration and blessing. Themes 1. God's Readiness to Be Found by the Gentiles Isaiah 65:1 states, "I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me." This theme highlights God's willingness to extend His grace beyond Israel to the Gentiles. The Hebrew word "נִדְרַשְׁתִּי" (nidrashti) implies being sought or inquired of, indicating God's openness to those outside the covenant community. 2. Rebellion of Israel In Isaiah 65:2, God laments, "All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people, who walk in the wrong path, following their own imaginations." The Hebrew term "סוֹרֵר" (sorer) means rebellious or stubborn, emphasizing Israel's persistent disobedience despite God's continuous outreach. 3. Judgment on Idolatry and False Worship Verses 3-5 describe practices that provoke God, such as offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick. The Hebrew word "מַכְעִיסִים" (makhisim) means to provoke or anger, underscoring the seriousness of idolatry and syncretism. 4. Promise of a Remnant Isaiah 65:8-9 speaks of a remnant: "As the new wine is found in a cluster, and one says, 'Do not destroy it, for it contains a blessing,' so I will act on behalf of My servants; I will not destroy them all." The concept of a remnant (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) is central, indicating God's faithfulness to preserve a faithful group within Israel. 5. Creation of a New Heavens and a New Earth In Isaiah 65:17, God declares, "For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." The Hebrew verb "בּוֹרֵא" (bore) means to create, signifying a divine act of renewal and transformation. 6. Joy and Rejoicing in Jerusalem Verses 18-19 promise joy: "But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." The Hebrew word "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah) for joy emphasizes the future restoration and happiness of God's people. 7. Blessings of Longevity and Prosperity Isaiah 65:20-23 describes a time of blessing where "no longer will a nursing infant live but a few days, or an old man not live out his years." The Hebrew term "בָּרָכָה" (berachah) for blessing highlights the prosperity and longevity promised to the faithful. 8. Peace and Harmony in Creation Verse 25 envisions peace: "The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." The Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom) for peace reflects the ultimate harmony in God's renewed creation. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God’s Revelation Praise God for revealing Himself to us and for His patience and grace. Repentance for Rebellion Ask for forgiveness for any areas of rebellion in our lives and seek a heart aligned with God’s will. Hope and Anticipation Pray for a steadfast hope in the promise of the new creation and the strength to live in anticipation of God’s future kingdom. Justice and Mercy Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s justice and mercy in our lives and the world around us. As we reflect on Isaiah 65, may we be encouraged by God’s promises and challenged to live faithfully in anticipation of His glorious future. Answering Tough Questions 1. Isaiah 65:17: How does the concept of a “new heavens and a new earth” align with established scientific laws governing the universe? 2. Isaiah 65:20: Why is there no historical or archaeological evidence of humans living extended lifespans described here? 3. Isaiah 65:25: Is there any scientific or fossil record suggesting carnivores could peacefully coexist with prey as predicted? 4. Isaiah 65:24: If God answers before people call, why are there countless unanswered prayers and unresolved suffering? 5. Isaiah 65:19: How do we reconcile the promise of no more weeping in Jerusalem with its violent and sorrowful history? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Reflect on Isaiah's depiction of God's open invitation in verses 1-2. How can this inform your understanding of God's pursuit of humanity today? 2. What parallels can you draw between the rebellious actions of the Israelites and modern forms of rebellion against God? 3. How can God's promise of blessing for the faithful in verses 8-10 encourage Christians in their walk of faith today? 4. What lessons can we learn from God's stern judgment on the unfaithful? 5. How does Isaiah's vision of a new creation inspire hope for the future? 6. How does the theme of divine justice resonate with you personally? 7. What are practical ways you can ensure faithfulness to God in your daily life? 8. In what ways do you see God's sovereignty and mercy at play in your life? 9. How can the contrast between the righteous and the wicked guide your personal and spiritual decisions? 10. How does the idea of God not remaining silent (v.6) resonate in the context of injustices we see today? 11. How might the promise of a new name for God's servants (v.15) provide comfort and hope for those experiencing struggles or persecution? 12. How can you apply the lessons from Isaiah 65 to evangelize to those who do not know God? 13. How can you cultivate an expectation for God's promised new creation in your daily life? 14. In what ways has rebellion against God changed in our modern context compared to the time of Isaiah? 15. How does the promise of God's intimate relationship with His people in the new creation affect your perspective of your relationship with God now? 16. How can Christians reconcile the reality of God's impending judgment with His love and mercy? 17. How does the metaphor of the new wine in a cluster (v.8) speak to you about the remnant of believers in today's world? 18. How can you use the lessons from Isaiah 65 to encourage others in their faith journey? 19. How does understanding God's divine justice shape your understanding of events in the world today? 20. How do you relate with God's grief over the unfaithfulness of His people as described in Isaiah 65? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions