Maybe it's metaphorical? ------- Yes certainly it is and explained in other Bible passages.
Eg, with regard to the 'earth' it is sometimes referring to people. (Genesis 11:1) Now all the earth continued to be of one language and of one set of words Notice that the earth referred to here is NOT the planet. So it is people that will be new in that they will be 'righteous' not wicked.
What of the new heaven(s)? (Ephesians 6:12) because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. Again it is the 'wicked' that are to replaced. Satan and his demons GONE. And the 'sea'?(Isaiah 57:20) “But the wicked are like the sea that is being tossed, when it is unable to calm down, the waters of which keep tossing up seaweed and mire. Once again it is referring to the wicked. This is in complete agreement with the Bible's message.
