1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
2 I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;
3 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick;
4 Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;
5 Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.
6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom,
7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.
8 Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.
9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.
11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.
12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:
14 Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.
15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
16 That 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; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
20 There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
The 65th chapter of the Book of Isaiah is a poignant and compelling part of the Holy Bible's Old Testament. It delivers a powerful message of God's mercy and justice, and a stern warning to those who turn away from His divine guidance. This chapter is a profound dialogue between God and His people, revealing their waywardness and His enduring patience. It also provides a prophetic vision of a new heaven and a new earth, underscoring the theme of divine restoration and salvation.
The opening verses of Isaiah 65 reveal God's frustration with His people. Despite being continually available to them, they have chosen paths of disobedience and rebellion. "I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name."(Isaiah 65:1 KJV) This verse highlights the theme of God's mercy, showing that even those who did not originally seek Him are still able to find Him.
God's words also reveal His profound disappointment with His chosen people, who have continuously rejected His ways and chosen to follow their own. They have provoked Him with their idolatry, making sacrifices in gardens and burning incense upon the altars of brick. Despite His repeated calls, they have refused to listen and have persistently done things that are evil in His sight. This disobedience is a stark contrast to God's mercy and serves as a warning to those who choose to turn away from Him.
In response to His people's rebellion, God declares His judgment upon them. He makes it clear that their sin will not go unpunished. However, God does not intend to destroy all of His people. He promises to preserve a remnant, a group of His faithful servants who have remained true to Him. This message of divine judgment and mercy is a central theme of Isaiah 65.
Furthermore, God promises a glorious future for His faithful servants. He declares the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, where joy and happiness will replace weeping and crying. "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."(Isaiah 65:17 KJV) This prophetic vision emphasizes God's power to restore and renew, offering hope to His faithful followers.
Isaiah 65 provides a stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous, represented by God's faithful servants, will enjoy the fruits of their labor and live long lives. Their work will not be in vain, nor will their children face calamity. On the contrary, the wicked, represented by those who have turned away from God, will face His judgment. Their efforts will be futile, and their lives will be fraught with disaster. This contrast underscores the theme of divine justice and the consequences of one's choices.
The chapter concludes with a powerful image of harmony and peace in God's new creation. Even the natural enemies, the wolf and the lamb, will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. There will be no harm or destruction, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of God. This beautiful image reinforces the theme of divine restoration and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.
In conclusion, the 65th chapter of the Book of Isaiah is a profound exploration of God's mercy, justice, and power to restore. It serves as a stern warning to those who turn away from Him and a message of hope for those who remain faithful. The themes of divine judgment and mercy, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and the promise of a new heaven and a new earth are all intricately woven into this chapter, creating a rich tapestry of divine revelation.
The chapter's message remains relevant today, reminding us of God's enduring patience with His people and His willingness to forgive and restore. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives, our choices, and our relationship with God. Are we among those who seek Him, or have we chosen our own paths? Are we living in obedience to His commands, or are we provoking Him with our disobedience? These are critical questions that Isaiah 65 compels us to ask.
Ultimately, Isaiah 65 is a testament to God's unchanging character and His unfailing love for His people. Despite our failures and shortcomings, He remains faithful and ready to forgive. He has the power to transform our lives and create a new heaven and a new earth. This is the enduring message of Isaiah 65, a message of divine mercy, justice, and restoration that continues to resonate with believers around the world.
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