Isaiah 55 - Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes

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).

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. hearkening": i.e. continue to hearken.

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.

Him. Messiah: not David, but David's Son and David's Lord.

people. peoples.

thou... thee: i.e. Israel, who is addressed here.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

the Holy One of Israel. See note on Psalms 71:22.

may be: i.e. letteth Himself be.

wicked. lawless man (singular) Hebrew. rasha', App-44.

forsake. See note on Isaiah 1:4.

way... thoughts. Note the Introversion of lines in verses: Isaiah 55:7 and Isaiah 8:7 -. way. -7. thoughts. 8-. thoughts. -8. ways.

unrighteous. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44.

man. Hebrew. ish. App-14.

abundantly pardon. Hebrew multiply to pardon.

My thoughts... your thoughts. Note the Introversion of the pronouns. The contrast thus emphasized is not merely holiness, but vastness.

as. according as.

heaven. the heavens.

but. except it: i.e. until it. Note that the four succeeding tenses are pasts, and in the singular number. The waters do return, as stated in other scriptures (Psalms 135:7; Jeremiah 10:13; Jeremiah 51:16).

My word be that goeth. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 8:3; Deuteronomy 32:2).

shall. shall assuredly.

go out. go forth: i.e. from the lands of your wandering.

peace. prosperity.

break forth... singing. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. See note on Isaiah 14:7.

the field: i.e. the open country beyond the limits of cultivation.

brier: or, nettle.