Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 55

Verses 1-13

1. Waters.. wine.. milk] These stand figuratively, as the whole context shows, for spiritual blessings.

2. Wherefore, etc.] refers to the assiduous practice of idolatry, which had been Israel’s besetting sin.

3. Mercies] loving-kindnesses. The meaning is that Jehovah will, without fail, fulfil for His people the promises of loving-kindness made to David (Psalms 89:35).

4. Read, ’I gave him,’ i.e. David. People] RV ’peoples.’ David’s successes gave him a position which made his religion known in the world, and thus he witnessed for Jehovah.

5. Israel shall similarly so testify that the nations shall turn to Jehovah.

6, 7. The exhortation shows that the promises given are conditional.

8, 9. These vv. are especially addressed to those of the Israelites who were incredulous as to the possibility of restoration to their own land.

10, 11. As certainly as the elements fulfil their purposes, so will Jehovah fulfil His promise.

12. With joy.. peace] not in haste or flight, as from Egypt. The passage describes the exodus from Babylon. All nature rejoices with God’s people.

13. Cp. Isaiah 35:1; Isaiah 41:19. And it shall be, etc.] These words form an assurance that the state of things foretold in the clauses preceding shall surely come to pass and shall be permanent.