Isaiah 65

Isaiah 65:1

8. The Lord’s Answer to the Prayer of the Remnant (Chap. 65)65:1 Here begins Jehovah’s answer to the preceding prayer (63:1564:12). In context the first verse refers to Israel’s failure to seek God and her unwillingness to answer His call. But Paul applies it in Rom_10:20 to the call of the Gentiles: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for me.” 65:2-7 These verses refer unmistakably to Israel. God pleads tirelessly with a people who give themselves over to the abominable things associated with idolatry and heathenism. Because they have been initiated into secret rites, they consider themselves holier than their fellows. Because they are a continual irritation to the Most High, He will repay them for all their idolatry and sin. 65:8-12 Jehovah promises to spare a good cluster of grapes (the faithful remnant) in an otherwise bad vineyard (the rest of the nation). This preserved remnant will dwell in the land. Flocks will graze on the Plain of Sharon in the west and in the Valley of Achor to the east, all for the benefit of the saints. As for the apostate mass, it is a different story. They have forsaken the temple and worship Gad (meaning Troop, Fortune) and Meni (meaning number, Destiny). Therefore God will destine them for the sword. Instead of responding to the Lord’s entreaties, they chose the things that were evil and distasteful to the Lord. 65:13-16 The contrast between the lot of the true believers and that of the unbelievers is brought out here. It is the difference between abundant food and hunger, between plentiful drink and thirst, between rejoicing and shame, between singing and wailing, between the curse of an adulteress (Num_5:21-24) and a blessing. In that day, when the wrongs of earth are righted, people will use the name “the God of truth” when they bless themselves or when they take an oath. In other words, God will be acknowledged as the One who brings His plans to pass, who does as He says He will do. 65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away. 65:18-23 When the kingdom comes, the Lord will rejoice in Jerusalem and in the people of Israel. The sounds of sorrow and anguish will no longer be heard. Infant mortality and premature death will be eradicated. A person who dies at the age of one hundred years will be reckoned a child. A centenarian who sins outwardly will be cut off. Men will live to enjoy the fruit of their labors because the lifespan will extend throughout the Millennium for the faithful. There will be no unproductive labor, and young people will not be cut off by war or calamity. Parents and children will enjoy the blessing of the LORD. 65:24, 25 There will be no more hindrances to prayer. Wild animals will be domesticated, and poisonous snakes will feed on the dust of defeat and humiliation. There will be no more danger in God’s holy mountain of Zion.