Isaiah 65:17-25
Background. Isaiah is a large book of the OT broken into two parts. The first is Chapters 1-39 focused on Israel’s failure to hold God in their hearts and is filled with judgement. This section of the book was written 10-20 years after the fall of the northern tribes of Israel to the Assyrians. The second half of Isaiah (40-66) was written around 700 BC at the time when the southern tribes of Judah were being threatened, and Jerusalem was about to be under siege. Much of the second half predicts Jerusalem’s fall, exile to Babylon, and eventual return to Jerusalem.
Our verses in Chapter 65 would have been in the hearts of the Judean people as they were released from exile and allowed to return to Jerusalem in 586 BC. They were probably singing Isaiah’s verses expecting to return to create a new Eden in Jerusalem (v17 “I create a new heaven and a new earth”). A land flowing in milk and honey, where everything was perfect, peaceful, and all would live in harmony (v19 “rejoice in Jerusalem…no longer be heard the voice of weeping…crying). A true utopia.
Imagine their disappointment when they found Jerusalem in absolute ruins, their beautiful temple destroyed, and a reality that everything would have to be built back up from scratch. I wonder how many thought they were better off staying in Babylon. Probably a similar number who felt they were better off as slaves in Egypt after entering the wilderness.
I can relate as I reflect in those times when we moved to a new town, started a new job, brought home our first child, or took on a new responsibility. What seemed like a great opportunity, filled with anticipation, slowly transitioned as reality sunk in and questions and doubts about the change surfaced. Did I make a smart move? Was I better off before? Is it too late to go back? Was the grass really greener or were the weeds just healthier?
It seems the best decisions and answers always came following prayer. Lord, help me make the right decision. When we placed our lives into God’s hands, things just worked out. Just as the Jewish people found out, if you trust in God to lead your life, His grace will abound. Eden is rarely a place to go but can be a great frame of mind.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Please guide my steps today. Help me to see opportunities to experience your love, and to share it with others. If it be your will. Amen.
“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, And joy in My people; The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, Nor the voice of crying. “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed. They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat; For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them. “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” Says the Lord. Isaiah 65:17-25 (NKJV)
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