Isaiah 55:3-13

3 inclinate aurem vestram et venite ad me audite et vivet anima vestra et feriam vobis pactum sempiternum misericordias David fideles

4 ecce testem populis dedi eum ducem ac praeceptorem gentibus

5 ecce gentem quam nesciebas vocabis et gentes quae non cognoverunt te ad te current propter Dominum Deum tuum et Sanctum Israhel quia glorificavit te

6 quaerite Dominum dum inveniri potest invocate eum dum prope est

7 derelinquat impius viam suam et vir iniquus cogitationes suas et revertatur ad Dominum et miserebitur eius et ad Deum nostrum quoniam multus est ad ignoscendum

8 non enim cogitationes meae cogitationes vestrae neque viae vestrae viae meae dicit Dominus

9 quia sicut exaltantur caeli a terra sic exaltatae sunt viae meae a viis vestris et cogitationes meae a cogitationibus vestris

10 et quomodo descendit imber et nix de caelo et illuc ultra non revertitur sed inebriat terram et infundit eam et germinare eam facit et dat semen serenti et panem comedenti

11 sic erit verbum meum quod egredietur de ore meo non revertetur ad me vacuum sed faciet quaecumque volui et prosperabitur in his ad quae misi illud

12 quia in laetitia egrediemini et in pace deducemini montes et colles cantabunt coram vobis laudem et omnia ligna regionis plaudent manu

13 pro saliunca ascendet abies et pro urtica crescet myrtus et erit Dominus nominatus in signum aeternum quod non auferetur

Isaiah 55:3-13 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.