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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 55:1

Ho - (הוי hôy). This word here is designed to call attention to the subject as one of importance.Every one that thirsteth - The word ‘thirst’ often indicates intense desire, and is thus applied to the sense of want which sinners often have, and to their anxious wishes for salvation. It is not improbable that the Savior had this passage in his eye when he pronounced the blessing on those who hunger and thirst after righteousness Matthew 5:6. No needs are so keen, none so imperiously demand... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 55:2

Wherefore do ye spend money - Margin, ‘Weigh.’ That is, in Hebrew, ‘weigh silver.’ Before money was coined, the precious metals were weighed, and hence, to make a payment is represented as weighing out silver Genesis 23:16.For that which is not bread - The idea here is, that people are endeavoring to purchase happiness, and are disappointed. Bread is the support of life; it is therefore emblematic of whatever contributes to support and comfort. And in regard to the pursuit of happiness in the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 55:3

Hear, and your soul shall live - That is, if you attend to my command and embrace my promises, you shall live. Religion in the Scriptures is often represented as life John 5:40; John 6:33; John 8:13; John 20:31; Romans 5:17-18; Romans 6:4; Romans 8:6; 1 John 5:12; Revelation 2:7-10. It stands opposed to the death of sin - to spiritual and eternal death.And I will make an everlasting covenant with you - On the word ‘covenant,’ see the notes at Isaiah 28:18; Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 49:8. Here it... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 55:1

Isaiah 55:1. Ho, every one Not only Jews, but Gentiles; that thirsteth For the grace of God, and the blessings of the gospel; that desires them sincerely and earnestly, is active and diligent in the pursuit of them, and cannot be satisfied without enjoying them; come ye to the waters Where you may drink and be refreshed: come and partake of the graces and comforts of God’s Spirit, frequently compared to water in the Scriptures, and here designed by the other metaphorical expressions... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 55:2-3

Isaiah 55:2-3 . Wherefore do ye spend money All your time, and strength, and cost; for that which is not bread For those things which can never nourish or satisfy you, such as worldly goods or pleasures. Hearken diligently unto me Unto my doctrine and counsel; and eat ye that which is good And not such things as, though they be called and seem to be good, yet really are evil and most pernicious to men. And let your soul delight itself, &c. In this pleasant food of gospel... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 55:1-13

God’s free provision (55:1-13)Many of the Jews had made life reasonably tolerable for themselves in Babylon. The prophet knew that they were so settled that they might not want to uproot themselves and face the hardships of life back in their desolated homeland. Many were more concerned with making life easier for themselves than with knowing God and looking to him for their provision. God warns against this self-centred attitude and invites them to trust fully in him. The blessings he gives... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 55:1

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 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 55:2

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. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 55:3

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 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Isaiah 55:1

Kidner stated that, in Christian terms, "The Calvary of Isaiah 53 is followed by the growing church of Isaiah 54, and the gospel call of Isaiah 55."[1] We can find no agreement whatever with commentators who try to restrict the application of this chapter to the return of the exiles from Babylon. Every word of the chapter is Messianic.Cheyne's chapter heading here was as follows:"An affectionate invitation to the Messianic blessings (Isaiah 55:1-5); an exhortation to put away obstacles to their... read more

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