“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth” (65:17).  Jeremiah’s prophecies of war were not the end; God promised that He would purify and renew the earth, and life would return.  “They shall build houses and inhabit them, they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (65:21).  However, these blessings would be poured out only on those who turned to Him with a “humble and contrite in spirit” (66:2).  Religious identity and rituals (66:3) would not save anyone.

“I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness” (65:18). Jesus rescued us from sin, and his resurrection brought life from death. By faith in him, we get included in God’s plan for re-creation.