Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Isaiah

[Zeus Bull]

Can you explain this text to me? I am trying to understand if Isaiah 65:17-18 is a part of a larger passage, and how the boundaries of the larger passage fit into the structure of the larger passage. Or how is God portrayed in the text, and what the significance is.

[jimwalton]

The ideas of new heaven and new earth are rare in the Bible, but they are in other places (2 Pet. 3.13; Rev. 21.1). These verses in Isaiah focus a point of culmination, a fulfillment of the promises, and promise a new order of political and social structures. It's not technically apocalyptic writing, but approaches it. Not only will Jerusalem be new, but all heaven and earth. The promises of land for God's people is expanded exponentially to include all of the universe as God's temple (Isa. 66.1).

The passage ties into all of what precedes.
* Heaven and earth are themes through the whole book (1.2; 13.13; 42.5; 44.23; 49.13).
* Restoration and newness are threads through the book
* "Joy" shows up about 35 times in Isaiah
* The 3-time use of "create" in vv. 17-18 traces back to chapters 40-48 (40.26; 42.5; 43.1, 7, 15; 45.7, 12, 18).

How is God portrayed? He is the authority and power behind creation (65.17). He is the source of its joy in v 18. He is the one who restores and welcomes people as "my people" (19). He is the life-giver, the planter, the builder, the one who blesses, and the protector.

[Zeus Bull]

Thank you for taking the time to write this. I really appreciate it.

[jimwalton]

You're very welcome. Feel free to ask again about other things.