Isaiah 55:1-3

The Free Offer of Mercy

1 "Ho! Every one who 1thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have 2no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy 3wine and milk 4Without money and without cost.
2 "Why do you spend money for what is 5not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and 6eat what is good, And 7delight yourself in abundance.
3 "8Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may 9live; And I will make 10an everlasting covenant with you, According to the 11faithful mercies shown to David.

Isaiah 55:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 55

As the two preceding chapters are prophecies of Christ and his church, this treats of his word and ordinances, and of the nature, use, and efficacy of them. It begins with an invitation of thirsty souls to them, Isa 55:1, an expostulation with them for taking wrong methods, and a dissuasive from them, Isa 55:2, which is followed with an exhortation to hear the word of Christ, attend on his ordinances; to which they are encouraged with promises of life and covenant blessings, Isa 55:2,3. Christ is prophesied of in his offices; and the conversion of the Gentiles to him is foretold, Isa 55:4,5, men are called upon to seek the Lord, where and while he might be found; and both wicked and unrighteous persons, forsaking their ways and thoughts, are encouraged to turn to the Lord, in hopes of pardon, and in consideration of his ways and thoughts not being like theirs, Isa 55:6-9, the nature and efficacy of the word of God are expressed and illustrated by the similes of rain and snow, Isa 55:10,11, and the conversion of the Lord's people, in consequence of the word being made effectual, is predicted, the issue of which is the glory of God, Isa 55:12,13.

Cross References 11

  • 1. Psalms 42:1, 2; Psalms 63:1; Psalms 143:6; Isaiah 41:17; Isaiah 44:3; John 4:14; John 7:37; Revelation 21:6
  • 2. Lamentations 5:4
  • 3. Song of Songs 5:1; Joel 3:18
  • 4. Hosea 14:4; Matthew 10:8
  • 5. Ecclesiastes 6:2; Hosea 8:7
  • 6. Psalms 22:26; Isaiah 1:19; Isaiah 62:8, 9
  • 7. Isaiah 25:6; Jeremiah 31:14
  • 8. Isaiah 51:4
  • 9. Leviticus 18:5; Romans 10:5
  • 10. Isaiah 61:8
  • 11. Acts 13:34

Footnotes 4

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