The Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth: Isaiah 65:17-25
The Promise of a New Heaven and a New Earth: Isaiah 65:17-25
Isaiah 65:17-25 is a passage from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. This passage describes a vision of the future where God promises to create new heavens and a new earth, where people will live in peace and harmony.
In verses 17 and 18, God declares, "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind." This is a promise of a fresh start, free from the troubles and shortcomings of the past.
Verse 19 continues, "But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy." This emphasizes the theme of joy and celebration in the new heaven and earth.
As the passage progresses, it describes a world where there is no more weeping, no more crying, no more premature death. It speaks of longevity, where people will live as long as trees, where they will build houses and eat the fruit of their labor.
The final verses of Isaiah 65:24-25 express the idea of a world where God's presence is felt intimately: "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This symbolizes a world where even natural enemies will coexist peacefully.
Overall, Isaiah 65:17-25 offers a vision of hope and renewal, where God's promise of a new heaven and a new earth brings about a world of peace, joy, and harmony for all living beings.