Isaiah's New Heaven and New Earth (Isa 65:17; 66:22)

Abstract

The reference to YHWH's creation of "new heavens and new earth" in Isa
65:17 and 66:22 has received much attention, though scholars are widely divided
over its interpretation. The eschatological locus and the creation language
of the book of Isaiah seem to have significant bearing on the interpretation
of the phrase. Accordingly, this article attempts to demonstrate,
through contextual, linguistic, and structure analysis, that the "creation" of
"new heavens and new earth" is a hyperbolic expression of the future restoration
of the people of Judah after the captivity.

Key Words: Isaiah, new heavens and new earth, creation, figurative, hyperbolic, literal,
eschatology, postexilic, apocalyptic