Isaiah 65:22
No 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.
No longer will they build houses and others inhabit them
This phrase speaks to a future promise of security and stability. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the people often faced invasions and exile, leading to a loss of homes and lands. The Hebrew root for "build" (בנה, banah) implies not just physical construction but also establishing a legacy. The promise here is that the work of one's hands will not be in vain, reflecting God's justice and faithfulness. This assurance is a reversal of the curses found in Deuteronomy 28:30, where disobedience led to others inhabiting the homes Israelites built. It is a vision of restoration and divine protection.

they will not plant and others eat
Agriculture was central to the ancient Israelite economy and survival. The Hebrew word for "plant" (נטע, nata) suggests planting with the expectation of growth and harvest. Historically, foreign powers often seized crops, leaving the Israelites in famine. This promise indicates a time when the fruits of one's labor will be enjoyed by the laborer, symbolizing peace and prosperity. It echoes the blessings of obedience in Leviticus 26:5, where God promises that the people will eat their fill and dwell securely.

For as is the lifetime of a tree
Trees in the Bible often symbolize strength, longevity, and stability. The comparison to a tree's lifetime suggests a long, enduring life. The Hebrew word for "tree" (עץ, etz) is used throughout Scripture to denote not only physical trees but also a metaphor for life and growth. This imagery conveys the idea of a life deeply rooted in God's promises, flourishing and resilient. It reflects the Edenic vision of life in harmony with God's creation.

so will be the days of My people
This phrase promises a future where God's people experience the fullness of life. The Hebrew word for "days" (ימים, yamim) can refer to both the length and quality of life. In this context, it suggests a life marked by divine blessing and fulfillment. The phrase "My people" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting His commitment to their well-being. It is a reassurance of God's eternal faithfulness and the hope of a restored creation.

and My chosen ones will fully enjoy the work of their hands
The term "chosen ones" (בחירי, bechiri) refers to those whom God has set apart for His purposes. This phrase underscores the special relationship and favor they have with God. The promise that they will "fully enjoy" their labor speaks to a future where toil is not burdensome but rewarding. It is a vision of the redeemed life, where human effort aligns with divine purpose, resulting in joy and satisfaction. This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, where His people live in harmony with His will, experiencing the blessings of His kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.

2. The People of Israel
The original audience of Isaiah's prophecy, representing God's chosen people who were often in a cycle of rebellion and restoration.

3. The New Heavens and New Earth
The context of Isaiah 65 is a vision of the future restoration and renewal of creation, where God's people will experience peace and prosperity.
Teaching Points
Promise of Restoration
Isaiah 65:22 assures believers of a future where their efforts are not in vain. This promise encourages perseverance in faith and work, knowing that God values and will reward our labor.

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
The verse highlights God's control over history and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan for their lives and the world.

Eternal Perspective
The imagery of a tree's lifetime invites believers to adopt an eternal perspective, focusing on the lasting impact of their actions and the hope of eternal life with God.

Value of Work
The verse affirms the dignity and value of work, encouraging believers to see their daily tasks as part of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaiah 65:22 provide hope for those who feel their work is unappreciated or unfruitful?

2. In what ways does the promise of enjoying the work of our hands challenge our current view of labor and rest?

3. How can the imagery of a tree's lifetime in Isaiah 65:22 inspire us to live with an eternal perspective?

4. What connections can you draw between the promise in Isaiah 65:22 and the vision of the new heavens and new earth in Revelation 21?

5. How does understanding God's sovereignty and faithfulness in Isaiah 65:22 impact your trust in His plans for your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The curse of labor and toil as a result of the Fall is reversed in Isaiah 65:22, where God's people will enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Psalm 92:12-14
The righteous are compared to flourishing trees, similar to the promise in Isaiah 65:22 of long life and prosperity.

Revelation 21:1-4
The vision of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation echoes the themes of renewal and restoration found in Isaiah 65.
As the Days of a TreeH. Macmillan, D. D.Isaiah 65:22
As the Days of a Tree: the JewsH. Macmillan, D. D.Isaiah 65:22
Christian Life Imaged by the Trees of the EarthW. Denton, M. A.Isaiah 65:22
The Tree of LifeH. Macmillan, D. D.Isaiah 65:22
The Tree of LifeH. Macmillan, D. D.Isaiah 65:22
TreesH. Macmillan, D. D.Isaiah 65:22
God Rejoicing is the New CreationIsaiah 65:17-25
New Heavens and a New EarthProf. J. Skinner, D. D.Isaiah 65:17-25
The New CreationE. Johnson Isaiah 65:17-25
The State of the Church During the MillenniumA. Somerville.Isaiah 65:17-25
People
Gad, Isaiah, Jacob
Places
Jerusalem, Sharon, Valley of Achor
Topics
Build, Building, Chosen, Eat, Elect, Enjoy, Fruit, Full, Hands, Houses, Inhabit, Joy, Lifetime, Longer, Loved, Measure, Ones, Plant, Planting, Tree, Wear, Works
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 65:22

     4528   trees
     5846   enjoyment
     5874   happiness

Isaiah 65:17-25

     1335   blessing
     5006   human race, destiny
     7125   elect, the

Isaiah 65:20-22

     4538   vineyard

Isaiah 65:20-23

     9145   Messianic age

Isaiah 65:20-25

     9140   last days

Isaiah 65:21-22

     4438   eating

Isaiah 65:21-25

     5942   security

Isaiah 65:22-23

     5059   rest, eternal

Library
'The God of the Amen'
'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.'--ISAIAH lxv. 16. The full beauty and significance of these remarkable words are only reached when we attend to the literal rendering of a part of them which is obscured in our version. As they stand in the original they have, in both cases, instead of the vague expression, 'The God of truth,' the singularly picturesque one, 'The God of the Amen.' I. Note
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God Rejoicing in the New Creation
THIS PASSAGE, like the rest of Isaiah's closing chapters, will have completest fulfillment in the latter days when Christ shall come, when the whole company of his elect ones shall have been gathered out from the world, when the whole creation shall have been renewed, when new heavens and a new earth shall be the product of the Savior's power, when, for ever and for ever, perfected saints of God shall behold his face, and joy and rejoice in him. I hope and believe that the following verses will actually
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Early Lessons in the Life of Faith
"I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications."--Psalm 116:1. WHEN a very little child, so young I can remember nothing earlier, a severe thunderstorm passed over our home. Terrified, I ran to my mother, who placed my hands together, and pointing upward repeated over and over again the one word "Jesus." More than fifty years have passed since that day, but the impression left upon my child-mind, of a Being invisible but able to hear and help, has never been effaced. *
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

Baptism of Kallihirua
We now come to an important event in the history of Kallihirua; his Baptism, which took place on Advent Sunday, Nov. 27th, 1853, in St. Martin's Church, near Canterbury. "The visitors present on the occasion," said an eye-witness[6], "were, the Rev. John Philip Gell (late Warden of Christ's College, Tasmania), accompanied by Mrs. Gell, daughter of the late Sir John Franklin; Captain Erasmus Ommanney, R.N. (who brought Kallihirua to England), and Mrs. Ommanney, Captain Washington, R.N., of the Admiralty,
Thomas Boyles Murray—Kalli, the Esquimaux Christian,

Why Has Only one Apocalypse Been Able to Keep Its Place in the New Testament? Why not Several --Or None at All?
In answering this question [104] we may suitably take the Muratorian Fragment as our starting-point. At the close of its positive section occurs a paragraph which may be paraphrased as follows: "We also accept Apocalypses, but only two, those of John and Peter; yet the latter is rejected by a minority among us. The Shepherd of Hermas ought not to be spoken of as a part of the Canon either now or at any future time; for it was written only lately in our own times in Rome under the Bishop Pius, the
Adolf Harnack—The Origin of the New Testament

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed.
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Book ix. Epistle i. To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari).
To Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari). Gregory to Januarius, &c. The preacher of Almighty God, Paul the apostle, says, Rebuke not an elder (1 Tim. v. 1). But this rule of his is to be observed in cases where the fault of an elder does not draw through his example the hearts of the younger into ruin. But, when an elder sets an example to the young for their ruin, he is to be smitten with severe rebuke. For it is written, Ye are all a snare to the young (Isai. xlii. 22). And again the prophet
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
A Christian minister, living in Northern Indiana, was in want, and knelt in prayer again and again before his Father in heaven. His quarterly allowance had been withheld, and want stared him in the face. Constrained by urgent need, and shut up to God for help, he pleaded repeatedly for a supply of his temporal wants. Now see how extraordinary was the plan of the Lord to send relief. "In one of the lovely homes of Massachusetts, while the snow was falling and the winds were howling without, a lady
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon Themselves the Righteous Destruction to which they are Doomed.
1. The election of God is secret, but is manifested by effectual calling. The nature of this effectual calling. How election and effectual calling are founded on the free mercy of God. A cavil of certain expositors refuted by the words of Augustine. An exception disposed of. 2. Calling proved to be free, 1. By its nature and the mode in which it is dispensed. 2. By the word of God. 3. By the calling of Abraham, the father of the faithful. 4. By the testimony of John. 5. By the example of those who
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Exposition of the Moral Law.
1. The Law was committed to writing, in order that it might teach more fully and perfectly that knowledge, both of God and of ourselves, which the law of nature teaches meagrely and obscurely. Proof of this, from an enumeration of the principal parts of the Moral Law; and also from the dictate of natural law, written on the hearts of all, and, in a manner, effaced by sin. 2. Certain general maxims. 1. From the knowledge of God, furnished by the Law, we learn that God is our Father and Ruler. Righteousness
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
What Christ hath done to purchase, procure, and bring about our justification before God, is mentioned already, viz. That he stood in the room of sinners, engaging for them as their cautioner, undertaking, and at length paying down the ransom; becoming sin, or a sacrifice for sin, and a curse for them, and so laying down his life a ransom to satisfy divine justice; and this he hath made known in the gospel, calling sinners to an accepting of him as their only Mediator, and to a resting upon him for
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Difficulties and Objections
"Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not My way equal? are not your ways unequal?" (Ezek. 18:25). A convenient point has been reached when we may now examine, more definitely, some of the difficulties encountered and the objections which might be advanced against what we have written in previous pages. The author deemed it better to reserve these for a separate consideration rather than deal with them as he went along, requiring as that would have done the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Judaea
If Galilee could boast of the beauty of its scenery and the fruitfulness of its soil; of being the mart of a busy life, and the highway of intercourse with the great world outside Palestine, Judaea would neither covet nor envy such advantages. Hers was quite another and a peculiar claim. Galilee might be the outer court, but Judaea was like the inner sanctuary of Israel. True, its landscapes were comparatively barren, its hills bare and rocky, its wilderness lonely; but around those grey limestone
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
It is found by continual experience, that near the time of death, when the children of God are weakest, then Satan makes the greatest nourish of his strength, and assails them with his strongest temptations. For he knows that either he must now or never prevail; for if their souls once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble them any more. And therefore he will now bestir himself as much as he can, and labour to set before their eyes all the gross sins which ever they committed, and the judgments
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Creation
Q-7: WHAT ARE THE DECREES OF GOD? A: The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatsoever shall come to pass. I have already spoken something concerning the decrees of God under the attribute of his immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, and he-is unchangeable in his decrees; his counsel shall stand. He decrees the issue of all things, and carries them on to their accomplishment by his providence; I
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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