Isaiah 65
BSB1 “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ 2 All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations, 3 to a people who continually provoke Me to My face, sacrificing in the gardens and burning incense on altars of brick, 4 sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. 5 They 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. 6 Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will pay it back into their laps, 7 both 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." 8 This 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. 9 And I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and heirs from Judah; My elect will possess My mountains, and My servants will dwell there. 10 Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for My people who seek Me. 11 But you who forsake the LORD, who forget My holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny, 12 I 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." 13 Therefore 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. 14 My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit. 15 You 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. 16 Whoever 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. 17 For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But 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. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. 20 No 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. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 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. 23 They 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. 24 Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, but the food of the serpent will be dust. They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.
Study Notes — Isaiah 65
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 65
- Themes from Isaiah 65
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 65
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 65 begins with God's declaration that He has been available to His people, but they have not sought Him (Isaiah 65:1). Instead, they have rebelled against Him and practiced idolatry (Isaiah 65:2-5). God promises to punish the wicked for their sins (Isaiah 65:6-7), but He also promises to preserve a remnant of His people (Isaiah 65:8-10). The chapter then contrasts the fate of the wicked with the blessings of the righteous, who will inherit a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17-25). God promises to create a new Jerusalem, where His people will live in peace and prosperity (Isaiah 65:18-19). The chapter concludes with a vision of the new creation, where God's people will live in harmony with Him and with each other (Isaiah 65:25).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 65 is part of the larger context of Isaiah 56-66, which is often referred to as the 'Book of Consolation'. This section of the book is characterized by God's promises of redemption and restoration to His people, who have been exiled and oppressed. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the Bible, which tells the story of God's creation, humanity's rebellion, and God's redemption of His people through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we read Isaiah 65, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and control over all things. We are also reminded of the importance of repentance and faith, and the promise of redemption and restoration that God offers to His people. As we apply this chapter to our hearts, we are called to trust in God's goodness and to turn from our sins, knowing that He is our Creator and Redeemer.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 65 is a chapter about God's promise to create a new heaven and a new earth, where His people will live in perfect harmony with Him. The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, and it reminds us of God's sovereignty and control over all things. As we read this chapter, we are called to trust in God's goodness and to turn from our sins, knowing that He is our Creator and Redeemer (Isaiah 65:17).
Voices from the Church
“The promise of a new heaven and a new earth is a glorious one, and it is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. As believers, we look forward to the day when we will inherit this new creation, and live in perfect harmony with God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The judgment of God is a terrible thing, and it is a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith. As believers, we must always be mindful of God's holiness and righteousness, and we must strive to live in accordance with His will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- God's Judgment on the Wicked (Isaiah 65:1-7) — In this section, God declares His judgment on the wicked, who have rebelled against Him and practiced idolatry.
- God's Preservation of a Remnant (Isaiah 65:8-10) — In this section, God promises to preserve a remnant of His people, who will inherit a new heaven and a new earth.
- The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous (Isaiah 65:11-16) — In this section, the chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings of the righteous.
- The Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-25) — In this section, God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth, where His people will live in perfect harmony with Him.
- The Vision of the New Creation (Isaiah 65:25) — In this final section, the chapter concludes with a vision of the new creation, where God's people will live in harmony with Him and with each other.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Isaiah 65 emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over all things, reminding us that He is the Creator and Redeemer of the world.
- Judgment and Redemption
- The chapter teaches that God is a God of judgment and redemption, who will punish the wicked and redeem the righteous.
- Importance of Repentance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, reminding us that God calls His people to turn from their sins and to trust in Him.
- New Creation
- The chapter teaches that God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where His people will live in perfect harmony with Him.
Lessons from Isaiah 65
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter teaches us that repentance and faith are essential for our salvation and redemption.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter reminds us that God is sovereign and in control of all things, and that we must trust in His goodness and wisdom.
- The Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth — The chapter teaches us that God will create a new heaven and a new earth, where His people will live in perfect harmony with Him.
- The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous — The chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings of the righteous, reminding us of the importance of living a life of faith and obedience.
- The Vision of the New Creation — The chapter concludes with a vision of the new creation, where God's people will live in harmony with Him and with each other.
Themes from Isaiah 65
- Redemption and Restoration — The chapter emphasizes God's promise to redeem and restore His people, and to create a new heaven and a new earth.
- Judgment and Justice — The chapter teaches that God is a God of judgment and justice, who will punish the wicked and redeem the righteous.
- Sovereignty and Control — The chapter reminds us that God is sovereign and in control of all things, and that we must trust in His goodness and wisdom.
- Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, reminding us that we must trust in God and live according to His will.
- Hope and Comfort — The chapter offers hope and comfort to believers, reminding us that God is our Creator and Redeemer, and that He will bring us into a new heaven and a new earth.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Isaiah 65 teach us about God's sovereignty and control over all things?
- How does the chapter contrast the fate of the wicked with the blessings of the righteous?
- What is the importance of repentance and faith in this chapter?
- What does the chapter teach us about the new heaven and the new earth?
- How can we apply the teachings of Isaiah 65 to our hearts and lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. God's Judgment on the Wicked (Isaiah 65:1-7)
| Isaiah 65:1 | In this verse, God declares that He has been available to His people, but they have not sought Him. |
| Isaiah 65:2 | In this verse, God declares that He has stretched out His hands to His people, but they have rebelled against Him. |
| Isaiah 65:3 | In this verse, God declares that His people have provoked Him to anger, and have sacrificed to idols. |
| Isaiah 65:4 | In this verse, God declares that His people have chosen to do evil, and have delighted in abominations. |
| Isaiah 65:5 | In this verse, God declares that His people have said, 'Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am set apart from you.' |
| Isaiah 65:6 | In this verse, God declares that He will not keep silent, but will repay His people for their iniquity. |
| Isaiah 65:7 | In this verse, God declares that He will punish His people for their sins, and for the sins of their fathers. |
2. God's Preservation of a Remnant (Isaiah 65:8-10)
| Isaiah 65:8 | In this verse, God declares that He will preserve a remnant of His people, just as a cluster of grapes is preserved from the winepress. |
| Isaiah 65:9 | In this verse, God declares that He will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and an heir from Judah. |
| Isaiah 65:10 | In this verse, God declares that Sharon will be a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down. |
3. The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous (Isaiah 65:11-16)
| Isaiah 65:11 | In this verse, God declares that those who forsake Him will be put to shame, and those who choose their own ways will be dismayed. |
| Isaiah 65:12 | In this verse, God declares that those who forget Him will be given over to the sword, and those who do not listen to Him will be slain. |
| Isaiah 65:13 | In this verse, God declares that His servants will eat, but those who forsake Him will be hungry. |
| Isaiah 65:14 | In this verse, God declares that His servants will drink, but those who forsake Him will be thirsty. |
| Isaiah 65:15 | In this verse, God declares that His servants will rejoice, but those who forsake Him will be put to shame. |
| Isaiah 65:16 | In this verse, God declares that those who serve Him will be blessed, and those who forsake Him will be cursed. |
4. The Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth (Isaiah 65:17-25)
| Isaiah 65:17 | In this verse, God declares that He will create a new heaven and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. |
| Isaiah 65:18 | In this verse, God declares that He will create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. |
| Isaiah 65:19 | In this verse, God declares that He will rejoice over Jerusalem, and delight in its people. |
| Isaiah 65:20 | In this verse, God declares that no more shall an infant live but a few days, nor an old man who has not filled his days. |
| Isaiah 65:21 | In this verse, God declares that they shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. |
| Isaiah 65:22 | In this verse, God declares that they shall not build and another inhabit, and they shall not plant and another eat. |
| Isaiah 65:23 | In this verse, God declares that they shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for calamity. |
| Isaiah 65:24 | In this verse, God declares that before they call, He will answer, and while they are yet speaking, He will hear. |
| Isaiah 65:25 | In this verse, God declares that the wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 65?
The main theme of Isaiah 65 is God's promise to create a new heaven and a new earth, where His people will live in perfect harmony with Him. As Isaiah 65:17 says, 'For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.'
What is the contrast between the wicked and the righteous in Isaiah 65?
The contrast between the wicked and the righteous in Isaiah 65 is that the wicked will be punished for their sins, while the righteous will inherit a new heaven and a new earth. As Isaiah 65:13-15 says, 'My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame.'
What is the importance of repentance and faith in Isaiah 65?
The importance of repentance and faith in Isaiah 65 is that God calls His people to turn from their sins and to trust in Him, promising to forgive and redeem them. As Isaiah 65:1-2 says, 'I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, "Behold, I have come to you," '
What does Isaiah 65 teach us about the new heaven and the new earth?
Isaiah 65 teaches us that the new heaven and the new earth will be a place of perfect harmony and joy, where God's people will live in peace and prosperity. As Isaiah 65:17-25 says, 'For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.'
How can we apply the teachings of Isaiah 65 to our hearts and lives?
We can apply the teachings of Isaiah 65 to our hearts and lives by trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, and by turning from our sins to follow Him. As Isaiah 65:1-2 says, 'I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me.'
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 65:17 → Revelation 21:1 | The promise of a new heaven and a new earth in Isaiah 65:17 is fulfilled in Revelation 21:1, where John sees a new heaven and a new earth descending from God. |
| 2 | Isaiah 65:1 → Romans 10:20 | The declaration that God was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for Him in Isaiah 65:1 is quoted in Romans 10:20, where Paul says that God has been found by those who did not seek Him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 65:2 → Acts 7:51 | The declaration that God stretched out His hands to His people, but they rebelled against Him in Isaiah 65:2 is quoted in Acts 7:51, where Stephen says that the Jews have always resisted the Holy Spirit. |
| 4 | Isaiah 65:3 → 2 Peter 3:5 | The declaration that God's people have provoked Him to anger, and have sacrificed to idols in Isaiah 65:3 is similar to 2 Peter 3:5, where Peter says that the wicked have deliberately forgotten that God created the heavens and the earth. |
| 5 | Isaiah 65:4 → Matthew 24:12 | The declaration that God's people have chosen to do evil, and have delighted in abominations in Isaiah 65:4 is similar to Matthew 24:12, where Jesus says that because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. |
| 6 | Isaiah 65:5 → 1 Peter 3:12 | The declaration that God's people have said, 'Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am set apart from you' in Isaiah 65:5 is similar to 1 Peter 3:12, where Peter says that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer. |
| 7 | Isaiah 65:6 → Romans 2:6 | The declaration that God will not keep silent, but will repay His people for their iniquity in Isaiah 65:6 is similar to Romans 2:6, where Paul says that God will repay each person according to their deeds. |
| 8 | Isaiah 65:7 → Ezekiel 18:4 | The declaration that God will punish His people for their sins, and for the sins of their fathers in Isaiah 65:7 is similar to Ezekiel 18:4, where God says that the soul who sins shall die, and that the son shall not bear the guilt of the father. |
| 9 | Isaiah 65:8 → Matthew 1:21 | The declaration that God will preserve a remnant of His people in Isaiah 65:8 is similar to Matthew 1:21, where the angel says that Jesus will save His people from their sins. |
| 10 | Isaiah 65:9 → Galatians 3:29 | The declaration that God will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and an heir from Judah in Isaiah 65:9 is similar to Galatians 3:29, where Paul says that if we are Christ's, then we are Abraham's offspring, and heirs according to promise. |
Sermons on Isaiah 65
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Last Days as Seen by the Prophets by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of coming out of a certain entity, referred to as "her." He mentions the historical context of the United States' involvement |
|
Not Every Trial Is a Test by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the three Hebrew children who were thrown into a fiery furnace by the king. Despite being bound, the king sees a fourth man in t |
|
(John - Part 42): Life After Death - the Death and Raising of Lazarus by A.W. Tozer | The video is a summary of a sermon by a German theologian named von Hügel. He emphasizes that the only things that seem to move people's emotions in this world are worldly things l |
|
The Prayer That Prepares the Way by Wesley Duewel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance and comfort of revival for God's people, the Church, and the community. He prays for the spread of revival news through minis |
|
Ai - Spiritual Warfare by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle of A.I. after the victory at Jericho. Joshua sends spies to scout out A.I., a smaller city, and they repor |
|
10 Reasons for Unanswered Prayer by George Verwer | In this sermon, a young preacher asks for advice after delivering his first sermon. An old man approaches him and gives him three pieces of advice. The first advice is to read ever |
|
(Revelation) the Resurrection of the Saints by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by stating that they will be looking at seven verses from the Bible, specifically focusing on six doctrines. The passage being discussed is abou |
|
Powerful Praying by Lou Sutera | This sermon emphasizes the importance of powerful and specific praying, highlighting the need for fervent, believing, and focused prayers. It shares anecdotes of answered prayers, |
|
Audio Sermon: Not Every Trial Is a Test by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes that not every trial is a test of faith, but rather a training process to prepare believers for a new world order where joy and rejoicing will reign. The spe |
|
(Through the Bible) Isaiah 63-66 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worshiping the beast and receiving his mark. He emphasizes that those who engage in such worship will face the wrath of God, b |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 65
In his commentary on Isaiah 65, Matthew Henry notes that God's promise to create a new heaven and a new earth is a glorious one, and it is a promise that is fulfilled in Christ. Henry also emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith, reminding us that God calls His people to turn from their sins and to trust in Him. As Henry says, 'The promise of a new heaven and a new earth is a great encouragement to us to be faithful and obedient to God, and to trust in His goodness and sovereignty.' Henry also notes that the chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings of the righteous, reminding us that God is a God of judgment and redemption. As Henry says, 'The wicked shall be punished for their sins, but the righteous shall inherit a new heaven and a new earth.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God emphasizes His sovereignty and control over all things. He is the one who creates and destroys, who judges and redeems.
The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings of the righteous. The wicked will be punished for their sins, while the righteous will inherit a new heaven and a new earth.
The Importance of Repentance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and faith. God calls His people to turn from their sins and to trust in Him, promising to forgive and redeem them.








