Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 65

The Lord gave the people of Israel many chances to seek him (Isaiah 55:6; 58:2), but they did not do so.

Here, the Lord responds to the prayer in Isaiah 63:7–64:12.

Sacred gardens were a part of the fertility religion of Baal.

• spending nights in secret places: God had banned the practice of necromancy (consulting dead spirits; see Isaiah 8:19–22; 47:9; Deuteronomy 18:9–11).

• the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls: See Isaiah 66:3–4; Leviticus 11:7; Deuteronomy 14:3, 8.

do not come near me, for I am holier than you!: The people of Israel used the words of ritual purification found in the law of Moses. They spoke as if they were clean and obedient to God.

But they also practiced worship influenced by pagan religions. Their actions did not match their words.

Because of this hypocrisy, God was deeply displeased. The text says they were like a bad smell in his nostrils. This image shows how offensive their behavior was to him (see Isaiah 1:10–15).

• Behold, it is written before Me: God is fully committed to carrying out his plan.

• The godly asked if the Lord would remain silent forever (Isaiah 64:12). God answered that he would not stay silent. He would address the wicked before restoring the righteous remnant.

The people of Israel practiced their pagan religion at sacred shrines on mountains and hills (see 1 Kings 14:23; Hosea 4:13).

The Lord planned to spare and reward a remnant of righteous people.

Sharon was a fertile and beautiful marshy region southwest of Mount Carmel (see Isaiah 33:9). The valley of Achor in the vicinity of Jericho was associated with the curse on Achan (Joshua 7:24–26). It would become a place of blessing (Hosea 2:15). These western and eastern regions might represent the renewal of the whole land.

Fortune and Destiny are names of pagan gods (Gad, Meni) believed to bring good luck and decide a person's future.

destine: This verb (Hebrew manithi) is a wordplay on Meni (see study note on Isaiah 65:11). Only God controls human and national destinies.

The difference between the wicked and God's servants affects all parts of life. God punishes the wicked but blesses those who truly serve him (see Isaiah 65:17–25).

The new name given to the faithful symbolizes a new identity and a closer relationship with the Lord (see also Isaiah 62:2).

the former troubles: Compare Revelation 21:4.

The new heavens and new earth will be a place of righteousness (see also 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21). Paul described believers in Christ as already being part of the new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15).

Jerusalem here symbolizes God’s eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:1–4).

God will be present with his people (see also Isaiah 19:22; 30:19; compare 1:15; 59:2).

The snakes represent evil (Isaiah 27:1; Genesis 3).