| Geneva Study Bible For, behold, I create {y} new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (y) I will so altar and change the state of my church, that it will seem to dwell in a new world. Wesley's Notes 65:17 I create - I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered - That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered. King James Translators' Notes come...: Heb. come upon the heart Scofield Reference Notes [1] behold Verse 17 looks beyond the kingdom-age to the new heavens and the new earth (see refs. at "create"), but verses 18-25 describe the kingdom-age itself. Longevity is restored, but death, the "last enemy" 1Cor 15:26 is not destroyed till after Satan's rebellion at the end of the thousand years. Rev 20:7-14. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 17. As Caleb inherited the same land which his feet trod on (De 1:36; Jos 14:9), so Messiah and His saints shall inherit the renovated earth which once they trod while defiled by the enemy (Isa 34:4; 51:16; 66:22; Eze 21:27; Ps 2:8; 37:11; 2Pe 3:13; Heb 12:26-28 Re 21:1). not be remembered-See on [874]Isa 65:16, note on "troubles"; the words here answer to "the former . forgotten," &c. The former sorrows of the earth, under the fall, shall be so far from recurring, that their very remembrance shall be obliterated by the many mercies I will bestow on the new earth (Re 21:4-27). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 65:17-25 In the grace and comfort believers have in and from Christ, we are to look for this new heaven and new earth. The former confusions, sins and miseries of the human race, shall be no more remembered or renewed. The approaching happy state of the church is described under a variety of images. He shall be thought to die in his youth, and for his sins, who only lives to the age of a hundred years. The event alone can determine what is meant; but it is plain that Christianity, if universal, would so do away violence and evil, as greatly to lengthen life. In those happy days, all God's people shall enjoy the fruit of their labours. Nor will children then be the trouble of their parents, or suffer trouble themselves. The evil dispositions of sinners shall be completely moritified; all shall live in harmony. Thus the church on earth shall be full of happiness, like heaven. This prophecy assures the servants of Christ, that the time approaches, wherein they shall be blessed with the undisturbed enjoyment of all that is needful for their happiness. As workers together with God, let us attend his ordinances, and obey his commands. |