Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 55

Verse 1

Ho, &c. This cry heard in Jerusalem to-day. All water has to be bought. Compare John 4:14 ; John 7:37-39 .

every one that thirsteth. The invitation is only to these.

come. Figure of speech Repetitio , for emphasis.

waters: of life (Revelation 22:17 ).

wine: of gladness (Psalms 104:15 ).

milk: of nourishment (1 Peter 2:2 ).

Verse 2

Wherefore . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis ( App-6 ), to emphasize the universal corruption and practice of the natural man. Compare John 6:27 .

hearken diligently. Figure of speech Epizeuxis , for emphasis. Hebrew "Hearken a hearkening": i.e. continue to hearken.

Verse 3

everlasting. See note on "ancient", Isaiah 44:7 .

the sure mercies of David: i.e. the lovingkindnesses well assured to David, the "everlasting covenant" made with David in 2 Samuel 7:8-16 . Quoted in Acts 13:34 . Assured by oath to David (Psalms 132:11 ). of = pertaining to. Genitive of Relation. App-17 .

Verse 4

Him = Messiah: not David, but David's Son and David's Lord.

people = peoples.

Verse 5

thou . . . thee: i.e. Israel, who is addressed here.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

the Holy One of Israel. See note on Psalms 71:22 .

Verse 6

may be: i.e. letteth Himself be.

Verse 7

wicked = lawless man (singular) Hebrew. rasha', App-44 .

forsake. See note on Isaiah 1:4 .

way . . . thoughts. Note the Introversion of lines in verses: Isaiah 55:7 and Isaiah 8:7 -. way. -7. thoughts. 8-. thoughts. -8. ways.

unrighteous. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 .

man. Hebrew ' ish . App-14 .

abundantly pardon. Hebrew multiply to pardon.

Verse 8

My thoughts . . . your thoughts. Note the Introversion of the pronouns. The contrast thus emphasized is not merely holiness, but vastness.

Verse 10

as = according as.

heaven = the heavens.

but = except it: i.e. until it. Note that the four succeeding tenses are pasts, and in the singular number. The waters do return, as stated in other scriptures (Psalms 135:7 . Jeremiah 10:13 ; Jeremiah 51:16 ).

Verse 11

My word be that goeth. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 8:3 ; Deuteronomy 32:2 ).

shall = shall assuredly.

Verse 12

go out = go forth: i.e. from the lands of your wandering.

peace = prosperity.

break forth . . . singing. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. See note on Isaiah 14:7 .

the field: i.e. the open country beyond the limits of cultivation.

Verse 13

brier: or, nettle.