65:17 For look, I am ready to create
new heavens and a new earth! 1
The former ones 2 will not be remembered;
no one will think about them anymore. 3
65:18 But be happy and rejoice forevermore
over what I am about to create!
For look, I am ready to create Jerusalem 4 to be a source of joy, 5
and her people to be a source of happiness. 6
65:19 Jerusalem will bring me joy,
and my people will bring me happiness. 7
The sound of weeping or cries of sorrow
will never be heard in her again.
1 sn This hyperbolic statement likens the coming transformation of Jerusalem (see vv. 18-19) to a new creation of the cosmos.
2 tn Or perhaps, “the former things” (so ASV, NASB, NIV, NRSV); TEV “The events of the past.”
3 tn Heb “and they will not come up on the mind.”
4 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
5 tn Heb “Jerusalem, joy.” The next verse suggests the meaning: The Lord will create Jerusalem to be a source of joy to himself.
6 tn Heb “her people, happiness.” See the preceding note.
7 tn Heb “and I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and be happy in my people.”