Isaiah 65:17-25
New creation joy replaces former sorrow.
17 “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a delight, and her people a joy.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; and the voice of weeping and the voice of crying will be heard in her no more.
20 “No more will there be an infant who only lives a few days, nor an old man who has not filled his days; for the child will die one hundred years old, and the sinner being one hundred years old will be accursed.
21 They will build houses and inhabit them. They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They will not build and another inhabit. They will not plant and another eat: for the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and my chosen will long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They will not labor in vain nor give birth for calamity; for they are the offspring of Yahweh’s blessed and their descendants with them.
24 It will happen that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat straw like the ox. Dust will be the serpent’s food. They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain,” says Yahweh.
New creation joy replaces former sorrow.
To reveal the LORD’s promise of new creation joy that reverses former sorrow and restores covenant blessing.
The promise speaks into a context of loss and judgment, offering hope of complete restoration beyond present conditions.
The LORD Answers Rebellion with Judgment and Promises New Creation for His Servants
The LORD answers lament by exposing persistent rebellion, preserving his servants, judging those who forsake him, and promising a new creation where joy, peace, fruitful labor, answered prayer, and holiness replace sorrow, futility, and destruction.