What Does Isaiah 65:21 Mean?

God promises security and enjoyment: "And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." This reverses the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28:30: "Thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof." The covenant blessings promised the opposite (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). Building and inhabiting, planting and eating represent comprehensive security and satisfaction—enjoying the fruits of one's labor without fear of dispossession. From a Reformed perspective, this pictures the security believers have in Christ—our inheritance is certain (1 Peter 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:13-14), we will enjoy what God has prepared (1 Corinthians 2:9), and no enemy can rob us of our eternal reward (Romans 8:31-39). The principle applies both to present sanctification (enjoying fruits of Spirit-empowered obedience) and future glorification (enjoying eternal rewards in new creation).