More prophecies of a better future from Isaiah.
God’s care
Isaiah 62:1-5
The faithful watchman
Isaiah 62:6-9
Announcement of salvation
Isaiah 62:10-12
Christ’s victory
Isaiah 63:1-6
His mercy to Israel
Isaiah 63:7-14
Prayer of intercession
Isaiah 63:15-19, 64:1-5
A confession of sin
Isaiah 64:6-12
The calling of the Gentiles
Isaiah 65:1-7
Remnant preserved
Isaiah 65:8-10
Judgements of the wicked
Isaiah 65:11-16
The new Jerusalem
Isaiah 65:17-25
Words of joy, hope and promise pepper these chapters, along with graphic descriptions of the fall of Jerusalem. If this was written before 587BC, it must have chilled people’s blood to read. If it was written after, those words would have turned the knife in their bitter wounds. But again in the distant future, Jerusalem will be a very different place. Honoured by all nations, God’s prized possession.
Chapter 63 opens with a mysterious blood-stained figure. The servant perhaps? Returning from his mission, which he had to accomplish alone, he has redeemed Israel. Later in the chapter, the Holy Spirit is mentioned. I can’t recall the last time he is mentioned in the Old Testament - probably in the early days of the prophets - but here he is simply said to be among his people, giving them peace.
Not only will there be a new Jerusalem, according to chapter 65, there will be a new heaven and earth, and there will be a place where there is prosperity and peace, long life and happiness, no violence, dissension or strife. A glimpse of a far distant land.
God’s care
Isaiah 62:1-5
The faithful watchman
Isaiah 62:6-9
Announcement of salvation
Isaiah 62:10-12
Christ’s victory
Isaiah 63:1-6
His mercy to Israel
Isaiah 63:7-14
Prayer of intercession
Isaiah 63:15-19, 64:1-5
A confession of sin
Isaiah 64:6-12
The calling of the Gentiles
Isaiah 65:1-7
Remnant preserved
Isaiah 65:8-10
Judgements of the wicked
Isaiah 65:11-16
The new Jerusalem
Isaiah 65:17-25
Words of joy, hope and promise pepper these chapters, along with graphic descriptions of the fall of Jerusalem. If this was written before 587BC, it must have chilled people’s blood to read. If it was written after, those words would have turned the knife in their bitter wounds. But again in the distant future, Jerusalem will be a very different place. Honoured by all nations, God’s prized possession.
Chapter 63 opens with a mysterious blood-stained figure. The servant perhaps? Returning from his mission, which he had to accomplish alone, he has redeemed Israel. Later in the chapter, the Holy Spirit is mentioned. I can’t recall the last time he is mentioned in the Old Testament - probably in the early days of the prophets - but here he is simply said to be among his people, giving them peace.
Not only will there be a new Jerusalem, according to chapter 65, there will be a new heaven and earth, and there will be a place where there is prosperity and peace, long life and happiness, no violence, dissension or strife. A glimpse of a far distant land.
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