Isaiah 65: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 65 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

God is inquired of by those who did not ask, and He is found by those who did not seek Him (vv. 1-2). Yahweh extends His hands all day to a rebellious people who follow evil paths.

Key verse

“I am inquired of by those who didn’t ask. I am found by those who didn’t seek me. I said, ‘See me, see me,’ to a nation that was not called by my name.”
Isaiah 65:1 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 65:1–2 God's Invitation to the Uncalled
Isaiah 65:3–5 Condemnation of Idolatry
Isaiah 65:6–7 Assured Judgment
Isaiah 65:8–10 Promise for the Faithful Remnant
Isaiah 65:11–15 Consequences of Rebellion
Isaiah 65:16–24 A New Future
Isaiah 65:25 Vision of Peace

Discussion questions

What do the phrases 'rebellious people' and 'their own thoughts' in v2 indicate about the people's behavior?
In v20, what does the mention of an infant who lives a few days convey about life expectancy?
The phrase 'you will all bow down to the slaughter' in v12: what does this imply about the consequences of their actions?
In v17, the term 'new heavens and a new earth' suggests what kind of changes for God's people?
How do you respond to the phrase 'I will answer' in v24 when you feel unheard in prayer?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 65: Jeremiah 33, Isaiah 44, Revelation 21.

Before next time: read Isaiah 66.