This verse portrays God’s promise that His people will forever enjoy the fruit of their work under His everlasting provision.
Isaiah lived and prophesied in the Kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BC, under the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 739-681 BC). In Isaiah 65, he looks forward to a new era of restoration and blessing for God’s people. When speaking of that future time, the prophet declares, “They will not build and another inhabit, They will not plant and another eat; for as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, And My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands” (Isaiah 65:22). These words express God’s commitment that His followers will dwell securely, fully enjoying the fruit of their labor. No longer will invaders or oppressors take away what they have toiled to build or grow, underscoring a deep sense of stability and peace.
The phrase “They will not build and another inhabit” (Isaiah 65:22) hints at the reversal of past tragedies Israel experienced, when foreign powers frequently conquered villages and claimed lands for themselves. In this promised future, God’s people will bear abundant yield from what they plant. The image of “as the lifetime of a tree” (Isaiah 65:22) indicates a greatly extended lifespan, symbolizing the robust well-being of the righteous under God’s protection. It also evokes the idea of longevity often associated with Eden-like blessings—an existence touched by God’s sustaining power.
The final declaration that “My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands” (Isaiah 65:22) conveys the assurance that their efforts will endure for generations. The blessings described here echo the larger biblical hope of a renewed creation free from suffering (Revelation 21:4). For believers in Christ, this promise can be seen as a foretaste of the eternal life He provides (John 3:16). Even though Isaiah spoke these words to the people of ancient Judah, their meaning resonates through the ages, offering a glimpse of God’s restorative plan for His faithful.
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Isaiah 65:22 meaning
Isaiah lived and prophesied in the Kingdom of Judah during the 8th century BC, under the reigns of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 739-681 BC). In Isaiah 65, he looks forward to a new era of restoration and blessing for God’s people. When speaking of that future time, the prophet declares, “They will not build and another inhabit, They will not plant and another eat; for as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, And My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands” (Isaiah 65:22). These words express God’s commitment that His followers will dwell securely, fully enjoying the fruit of their labor. No longer will invaders or oppressors take away what they have toiled to build or grow, underscoring a deep sense of stability and peace.
The phrase “They will not build and another inhabit” (Isaiah 65:22) hints at the reversal of past tragedies Israel experienced, when foreign powers frequently conquered villages and claimed lands for themselves. In this promised future, God’s people will bear abundant yield from what they plant. The image of “as the lifetime of a tree” (Isaiah 65:22) indicates a greatly extended lifespan, symbolizing the robust well-being of the righteous under God’s protection. It also evokes the idea of longevity often associated with Eden-like blessings—an existence touched by God’s sustaining power.
The final declaration that “My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands” (Isaiah 65:22) conveys the assurance that their efforts will endure for generations. The blessings described here echo the larger biblical hope of a renewed creation free from suffering (Revelation 21:4). For believers in Christ, this promise can be seen as a foretaste of the eternal life He provides (John 3:16). Even though Isaiah spoke these words to the people of ancient Judah, their meaning resonates through the ages, offering a glimpse of God’s restorative plan for His faithful.