Isaiahchapter 65

25 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 390 cross-references outward and receives 458 — heaviest partner: Isaiah.

Chapter summary

Jehovah answers the preceding lament: he was found by those who did not seek him, while all day he spread out his hands to a rebellious people who sacrifice in gardens, sit among graves, eat swine's flesh, and say "I am holier than thou." Recompense stands written before him, yet he spares a remnant as new wine found in the cluster — a seed out of Jacob to inherit his mountains, with Sharon and the valley of Achor for those who sought him; those who spread a table for Fortune and Destiny are destined to the sword. A series of contrasts divides servants from forsakers: eating, drinking, and singing against hunger, thirst, and wailing. The chapter climaxes in new creation — "I create new heavens and a new earth" — Jerusalem a rejoicing, long life, houses built and inhabited, prayer answered before it is spoken, and the wolf and lamb feeding together on the holy mountain.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Prophecy · Isaiah — see the Isaiah overview for the book's full setting.

1 I am inquired of by them that asked notfor 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, that walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts;

3 a people that provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens, and burning incense upon bricks;

4 that sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; that eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

5 that 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, yea, I will recompense into their bosom,

7 your own iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith Jehovah, that have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I first measure their work into their bosom.

8 Thus saith Jehovah, 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’ sake, 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 my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.