In this passage, God is speaking to his people through the prophet Isaiah. Verse 15 speaks of those who have opposed God's people and warns that they will be punished by God. However, God promises to give a new name to his servants, which is a sign of a new identity and a new beginning.
This passage is part of a larger section in the book of Isaiah that describes God's future plans for his people. In the preceding verses, Isaiah describes the judgment that will come upon those who have rebelled against God, and the restoration and blessing that will come upon his faithful people. The passage ends with the promise of a new Jerusalem, which will be a place of joy and delight for its people.
Verse 15 may seem harsh, as it speaks of leaving someone's name as a curse. However, it is important to understand the context of the passage. The people of Israel had suffered persecution and oppression from their enemies for many years, and this verse speaks of the judgment that will come upon those who have opposed God's people. The promise of a new name for God's servants is a sign of a new identity and a fresh start, which would be a source of great comfort and encouragement.
In verse 16, God promises that those who bless and swear oaths in the land will do so in his name, indicating that he is the one true God. The troubles of the past will be forgotten and will no longer cause any distress. It speaks of the importance of God's name in the land. In the Bible, a person's name was seen as representing their character and reputation. By swearing oaths and invoking blessings in God's name, the people of Israel would be acknowledging his sovereignty and faithfulness. This would be a way of honoring God and showing their loyalty to him.
Verse 17 speaks of a new creation that God will bring about. This promise of new heavens and a new earth speaks of a complete renewal and restoration of all things. The idea of a new creation is a common theme throughout the Bible, and it speaks of God's ultimate plan to bring about a perfect world where there is no more sin, pain, or suffering.
The phrase "the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind" indicates that the new creation will be so wonderful that the old things will pale in comparison. This is not to say that the old things will be erased from memory, but rather that they will no longer have any significance or importance in the new creation. The focus will be on the new, perfect creation that God has made.
Finally, in verse 18, God promises to create a new Jerusalem that will be a place of joy and delight for its people. This promise speaks of the hope and renewal that God offers to his people, even in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances. It is a reminder that God is in control and that he has a plan to bring about good things for those who love him: his ultimate plan is to bring about a perfect world where there is no more sin, pain, or suffering.
In this passage, God promises to punish those who have opposed his people, but also promises to give a new name to his faithful servants. He assures that those who bless and swear oaths in his name will do so in the land, and that the troubles of the past will be forgotten. Additionally, God promises to create a new heavens and a new earth, where the former things will be forgotten, and to create Jerusalem to be a place of delight and joy for its people. This passage speaks of hope and renewal, and reminds us of God's ultimate plan to bring about a perfect world where his people can live in peace and joy forever.