Isaiah 65

Chap. LXV. Ver. 1—25. The calling of the Gentiles, and the final restoration of the Jews.—This chapter contains a vindication of God’s dealings with the Jews, having reference, perhaps, to their prayer and complaint in the preceding chapter. It sets forth that, though for their sins he had rejected them, and called the Gentiles who sought him not, (Romans ix. 24—26,) = would he preserve a remnant, to whom he would at length make good all his promises. Severe punishments are threatened against the wicked (alluding perhaps to the destruction by the Romans,) and great rewards promised to the obedient in a future state of the Church, which is described in the most magnificent terms that can be imagined. That these splendid promises could not be fully accomplished in the return of the Jews from Babylon is self-evident; nor can all their meaning be exhausted, in any state of the Church which has yet appeared.

The creation of ‘‘new heavens and a new earth” must imply a new state of things, both morally and politically. It must imply a state of permanent purity and perpetual happiness: and the close of the chapter seems to imply even a prolongation of human life. Thus much is certain, that through crime and folly, a great part of mankind do “not live out half their days; ((Psalms 55:23).) and consequently the suppression of vice and of war, together with the improvements in medical science, must have a powerful tendency, both to prolong man’s life, and increase his happiness. (Compare (Revelation 5)(Isaiah 21))

Notes on the verses

Chap. LXV. Ver. 1. I am sought.—Lowth, “I am made known.” St. Paul, (who transposes the sentences,) “I was made manifest.”
Ver. 3. Upon altars of brick—which was contrary to the Mosaic law. Ex.
Ver. 4. Which remain among the graves.—This they did, according to Sir J. Chardin, for purposes of necromancy.—And broth, &c.—This was for the purpose of lustration, magical arts, and other hea[ths]. See Lowth.