Isaiah 65:17-18

At the present time, the people can see nothing but the great damage that enemies have done. Those enemies ruined both the *Temple and the city. But this situation will not continue. The *Lord is making his preparations for new heavens and a new earth. That will include a new *Jerusalem.

• When God makes something ‘new’, he creates something of a nature previously unknown (as in the title ‘*New Testament’).

Verse 19a (the first part of verse 19)

So there is every reason for the people to be full of joy. And God himself will enjoy their delight.

Verses 19b-23

Every part of life will bring complete satisfaction. And there will be total harmony (agreement, peace and happiness). There will not be any sad or painful memories from an earlier life.