Isaiah 55:4-5

4 1Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, 2a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 3Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and 4a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and of the Holy One of Israel, 5for he has glorified you.

Isaiah 55:4-5 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 5

  • 1. Psalms 18:43
  • 2. Daniel 9:25; Micah 5:2; Acts 5:31; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16; [Isaiah 9:6, 7]
  • 3. [See ver. 4 above]
  • 4. Zechariah 8:22, 23
  • 5. [Isaiah 44:23; Acts 3:13]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.