Isa 65 | MHM | STEP | The Conversion of the Gentiles; The Wickedness of the Jews; The Rejection of the Jews. This passage is explained in the New Testament by the apostle Paul. He shows that these verses predict how the Gentiles (non-Jews) would come to know God through the gospel, while many Jews would reject God’s message. This was surprising to the Jews, but God had already warned them it would happen. The prophecy fulfills what Moses said about God provoking Israel to jealousy by blessing people who were not part of their nation (Romans 10:20–21; Deuteronomy 32:21 ). v. 1 : God says, I was found by those who did not seek me; I was revealed to those who did not ask for me . This means the Gentiles, who did not know or look for God, would come to know Him. God took the first step—He called out, Behold me, behold me , to people who had not been called by His name before. When the apostles preached, they invited everyone to turn from idols and believe in the living God (Acts 2:21 ). God’s grace reached out first, even before people thought to seek Him (Galatians 4:9 ).

‏ Isaiah 65

The Conversion of the Gentiles; The Wickedness of the Jews; The Rejection of the Jews.

This passage is explained in the New Testament by the apostle Paul. He shows that these verses predict how the Gentiles (non-Jews) would come to know God through the gospel, while many Jews would reject God’s message. This was surprising to the Jews, but God had already warned them it would happen. The prophecy fulfills what Moses said about God provoking Israel to jealousy by blessing people who were not part of their nation (Romans 10:20–21; Deuteronomy 32:21 ^a).

v. 1: God says, I was found by those who did not seek me; I was revealed to those who did not ask for me . This means the Gentiles, who did not know or look for God, would come to know Him. God took the first step—He called out, Behold me, behold me, to people who had not been called by His name before. When the apostles preached, they invited everyone to turn from idols and believe in the living God (Acts 2:21 ^b). God’s grace reached out first, even before people thought to seek Him (Galatians 4:9 ^c).

v. 2: God says He reached out to Israel all day long, but they were disobedient and stubborn. I have spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own thoughts . God invited them again and again, but they refused Him, choosing to do what they wanted instead of following God’s way (Romans 10:21 ^d).

v. 3: The people continued to provoke God, openly and constantly. They provoke me to anger continually to my face . They did things that were clearly against God’s commands, showing disrespect and stubbornness. Their actions had been this way since the time they left Egypt, often ignoring God and testing His patience.

v. 4: The prophet describes their sins in detail. They worshipped idols in gardens and burned incense on altars they made themselves. They even practiced forbidden spiritual rituals, like staying among graves and consulting with the dead . They also broke God’s food laws by eating foods He had forbidden, such as swine’s flesh and other unclean things (Leviticus 11:42–43 ^e). These choices showed that the people wanted to do things their own way, not God’s way.

v. 5: Their worst sin was pride and hypocrisy. They said, Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am holier than you . This attitude of thinking they were better than others made them offensive to God. God says these people are like smoke that irritates the nose—He cannot stand their pride and self-righteousness.

v. 6: God warns that He will not ignore their sins. Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silent, but I will repay; I will even repay into their bosom . God keeps a record of wrongs and will eventually judge those who are proud and fake in their religion (Deuteronomy 32:34 ^f).

v. 7: God says He will punish them for their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. Your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together will be repaid . Their history of idolatry and rebellion would finally catch up with them. God would judge them for worshipping in forbidden ways and scorning the place He chose for true worship. Even though their ancestors sinned, the people also sinned, so God’s judgment is just (Ezra 9:13; Matthew 23:35 ^g).

Promises of Mercy.

This section shows that even though many people turn away from God, He always keeps a faithful group for Himself. Paul explains this in the New Testament, saying that God does not completely reject His people, but saves a remnant by His grace (Romans 11:1–5 ^h). These promises mean that God will always have true believers among the Jews, and for their sake, He shows mercy even in times of judgment. Jesus also said that for the sake of the elect, times of suffering would be shortened (Matthew 24:22 ⁱ).

v. 8: God compares His people to a cluster of grapes. Even if most of the vine is withered, if there is any good fruit, someone will say, Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it . God will not destroy everyone if there are still faithful people among them. Good people bring blessing to others, and sometimes God spares whole groups for the sake of a faithful few.

v. 9: God promises, I will bring forth offspring from Jacob, and from Judah inheritors of my mountains; my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there . This means that faithful people—those who serve and seek God—will inherit God’s promises. They will be given a secure and blessed place, both in the land of Israel and, in a spiritual sense, in God’s kingdom.

v. 10: God says, Sharon shall become a pasture for flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down . These are places in Israel known for being rich and beautiful. God is promising peace, safety, and plenty for His faithful people. This is also a picture of the blessings found in following Jesus, where He provides spiritual rest and nourishment for His people (John 10:9; Psalm 23:2 ^j; Hosea 2:15 ^k).

Predictions of Punishment.

This section shows the sharp difference between those who trust God and those who turn away from Him. It compares the fate of the faithful and the unfaithful, like life and death, blessing and curse. The passage warns that those who continue in idolatry and unbelief after God’s deliverance will face judgment, while those who repent and believe will be blessed.

v. 11: God warns those who forget Him and worship other gods. You who forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain, who set a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny . These people turn away from God’s temple and instead honor idols, spending time and resources on false gods. Their devotion to idols is strong, even though it brings them no real help.

v. 12: Because of their idolatry and refusal to listen, God says, I will destine you to the sword, and all of you shall bow down to the slaughter . God’s judgment is certain and cannot be resisted. When God called, they did not answer. Instead, they chose to do evil and ignored what pleased God. Their punishment is a result of their own choices and stubbornness.

v. 13: God promises a different future for His servants. Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame . Those who trust and serve God will have true satisfaction and joy, while those who reject Him will be left empty and ashamed.

v. 14: God’s servants will sing for joy, but the unfaithful will cry out in pain. My servants shall sing for gladness of heart, but you shall cry out for pain of heart and shall wail for breaking of spirit . The happiness of the faithful will make the suffering of the unfaithful even harder to bear.

v. 15: The names of the unfaithful will become a curse, while God’s servants will be given a new and blessed name. You shall leave your name to my chosen for a curse, and the Lord GOD will put you to death, but his servants he will call by another name . The memory of those who reject God will be shameful, but those who serve Him will be honored and known by a new name—Christians, not just Jews.

v. 16: God’s servants will bless themselves in the God of truth. He who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself by the God of truth . They will find their happiness and security in God alone, not in worldly things. God will remove their past troubles, and their new life will be filled with His blessing. In Christ, all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 1 John 5:20 ^l).

Predictions of Happiness.

This passage speaks of God’s promises to create a new and better world for His people. While these promises were partly fulfilled when the Jews returned from captivity, they find their fullest meaning in the gospel and the ultimate glory of heaven. In Christ, believers experience a new creation where old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17 ^m). The future glory of the saints is described as new heavens and a new earth (2 Peter 3:13 ⁿ), showing how complete and joyful life with God will be.

v. 17: God promises, For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind . This means that the pain and troubles of the past will no longer affect God’s people. Instead, they will experience a completely new reality filled with God’s peace and joy. In heaven, this promise will be fully realized, where all sorrow will disappear (Revelation 21:5 ^o).

v. 18: God calls His people to rejoice in this new creation. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness . The church will bring joy to its members, to those who love her, and even to God Himself.

v. 19: God delights in His people’s joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress . God’s happiness is connected to the well-being of His people. In heaven, this will be fully realized, where there will be no more weeping or sorrow (Revelation 21:4 ^p).

v. 20: Life in the new creation is described as long and satisfying. No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days . Death and suffering will no longer cut life short. Even if life on earth is brief, those who die in Christ will rise to eternal life, where their joy will be complete.

v. 21-22: God’s people will enjoy the fruit of their labor. They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit (Isaiah 65:21 ^q). Unlike before, when enemies would take what they worked for, God’s people will enjoy peace and security. My chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands (Isaiah 65:22 ^r). This blessing points to the ultimate rest and satisfaction found in God’s kingdom.

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v. 23: God promises blessings for future generations. They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them . Children will grow up in peace and godliness, and parents will have the joy of seeing their faith passed on to the next generation (Psalm 22:30 ^s).

v. 24: God will answer prayers before they are spoken. Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear . This shows God’s readiness to bless and care for His people. His love and grace will meet their needs even before they ask.

v. 25: The new creation will bring peace and harmony. The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain (Isaiah 65:25 ^t). God will change the hearts of people and remove all hostility. This ultimate peace will be fully realized in heaven, where there will be no danger, harm, or conflict (Isaiah 11:9; John 10:16 ^u).