My Word Will Not Return Void

Isaiah 55 is the great invitation that follows the Servant's work (ch. 53) and Zion's restoration (ch. 54). Like a market seller, God calls, "Hey! Come." The paradox is buying "without money and without price." God's grace is free but must be received. The question "Why do you spend money for that which is not bread?" exposes the emptiness of what people trust. The promise of "the sure mercies of David" connects to the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7). In the New Testament, Paul quotes verse 3 in Acts 13:34 about Jesus' resurrection.

Verses 6-7 call for urgent repentance: "Seek Yahweh while he may be found." Return includes both ways and thoughts. God "will freely pardon" (literally, he will multiply to forgive). Verses 8-9 explain why such pardon surprises us: "my thoughts are not your thoughts." God's mercy is not limited by human ideas of fairness. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways."

Verses 10-11 explain why God's promises are certain. Rain and snow "doesn't return there" until they produce growth and "bread to the eater." "So is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me void." The chapter closes with a new exodus in which creation itself joins the celebration, and thorns are replaced by cypress trees. This will be "for an everlasting sign that will not be cut off."