What is the meaning of Isaiah 65:19? I will rejoice in Jerusalem “I will rejoice in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 65:19). • God personally commits to joy over a specific city—Jerusalem. His rejoicing signals the fulfillment of His covenant promises that Jerusalem will be restored and honored (Isaiah 62:4-5; Psalm 147:2). • The phrase echoes the longing throughout Scripture for God to dwell with His people. Earlier, Isaiah foresaw the mountain of the Lord “established as the chief of the mountains” (Isaiah 2:2-3), while later texts look forward to the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven (Revelation 21:2). • Because God Himself rejoices, His people have unshakable assurance that the renewed Jerusalem is not merely symbolic; it is a real place in which His triumphant presence is fully manifested (Zephaniah 3:17). and take delight in My people “and take delight in My people.” • God’s delight centers on a redeemed community—“My people”—whom He has called by name (Isaiah 43:1). • This delight fulfills His promise that He would “be their God” and they would “be His people” (Ezekiel 37:27; Revelation 21:3). • The relationship is personal, familial, and covenantal: – Adoption language runs through Scripture (Ephesians 1:5; 2:19). – Identity language (“a chosen people”) affirms their special status (1 Peter 2:9). • Because He delights in them, every aspect of their lives—worship, work, community—will reflect His favor (Zechariah 2:10). God’s posture is not reluctant tolerance but wholehearted pleasure. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her “The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her.” • The absence of sorrow marks the complete reversal of Jerusalem’s history of siege, exile, and lament (Lamentations 1:1-2). • This promise anticipates the final removal of death, pain, and grief foretold in Isaiah 25:8 and consummated in Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” • What disappears? – Weeping over sin and judgment (Isaiah 1:4; 3:8). – Mourning over oppression and injustice (Isaiah 10:1-2). – Personal anguish and loss (Jeremiah 31:15). • What replaces it? – Everlasting joy (Isaiah 35:10). – Peace that cannot be shaken (Isaiah 54:10). – Worship that resounds continually (Revelation 7:9-17). summary Isaiah 65:19 promises a literal, future Jerusalem where God openly rejoices, His redeemed people bask in His delight, and every trace of sorrow is forever silenced. This verse anchors hope in God’s unwavering faithfulness, assuring believers that His ultimate plan is not merely to repair but to transform, ushering in an eternal era of joy, peace, and intimate fellowship with Him. |
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