- Home
- Bible
- Isaiah
- Chapter 55
- Verse 55
Isaiah 55:7
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unrighteous--Hebrew, "man of iniquity"; true of all men. The "wicked" sins more openly in "his way"; the "unrighteous" refers to the more subtle workings of sin in the "thoughts." All are guilty in the latter respect, thought many fancy themselves safe, because not openly "wicked in ways" (Psa 94:11). The parallelism is that of gradation. The progress of the penitent is to be from negative reformation, "forsaking his way," and a farther step, "his thoughts," to positive repentance, "returning to the Lord" (the only true repentance, Zac 12:10), and making God his God, along with the other children of God (the crowning point; appropriation of God to ourselves: "to our God"). "Return" implies that man originally walked with God, but has apostatized. Isaiah saith, "our God," the God of the believing Israelites; those themselves redeemed desire others to come to their God (Psa 34:8; Rev 22:17). abundantly pardon--Literally, "multiply to pardon," still more than "have mercy"; God's graciousness is felt more and more the longer one knows Him (Psa 130:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let the wicked forsake his way,.... His evil way, as the Targum paraphrases it, his wicked course of life; and which is his own way, of his own choosing, and in which he delights, and a very dangerous one it is; and yet he is bent upon it, and nothing can turn him from it but efficacious grace; nor will he ever forsake it till he sees the evil, danger, and loathsomeness of it; and when he does forsake it, it is so as not to make sin the course of his life, though he does not and cannot live without sin. The word for "wicked" signifies restless, troublesome, and ungodly, and is expressive of the pollution and guilt of sin all are under. Some are notoriously wicked, and all men are wicked in the account of God, though they may think otherwise themselves; and they become so their own apprehensions, when they are thoroughly awakened and convinced of sin, and of the evil of their ways, and are enabled to forsake them: though this may also be understood of "his own way" of saving himself, which is by works of righteousness he has done, in opposition to God's way of saving men by Jesus Christ; which way of his own must be relinquished, and Christ alone must be applied unto, and laid hold on, for salvation: and the unrighteous man his thoughts: not his natural thoughts, but his sinful ones, his wrong thoughts of religion, righteousness, and salvation; particularly his thoughts of being justified by his own righteousness; which thoughts are to be forsaken, as being contrary to God's way of justifying sinners; and as all men are unrighteous, are destitute of righteousness, and full of unrighteousness, so is the self-righteous person; and he must be divested of all thoughts of his own righteousness, and acknowledge himself an unrighteous man, ere he receives mercy, forgiveness, righteousness and salvation, at the hands of the Lord: and let him return unto the Lord; from whom he has departed, against whom he has sinned, and who only can save him; and this he does when he comes and acknowledges his sin before the Lord, implores his grace and mercy, and attends his word and worship; all which is the fruit and effect of powerful and efficacious grace, in turning and drawing. The Targum is, "and let him turn to the worship of the Lord:'' and he will have mercy upon him; which shows that the returning of the sinner to God is not meritorious, it is mercy still to receive him; and which is here mentioned as the motive to return; there is an abundance of it with the Lord, and he has resolved and promised to show it, and he takes delight in it, and many are the instances of it: and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon; God is to be applied unto, not as an absolute God, or out of Christ; but as our God in Christ, in whom he has proclaimed his name, a God gracious and merciful, and so he does abundantly pardon. The promise of pardon is absolute and unconditional, and is here observed as the motive to forsake sin, and not that as the condition of pardon; the design is to comfort those that are distressed with sin; God does and will pardon, and none but he can, and he has declared that he will; forgiveness is with him, and it is published in the Gospel, and there have been many instances of it. The Lord does abundantly pardon, or "multiply to pardon" (m); he pardons all sorts of sinners, and all sorts of sins; original sin, actual sins and transgressions; all backslidings and revoltings; all but the sin against the Holy Ghost. (m) "multiplicabit ad parcendum vel ut parcat", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; "multiplicabit condonare", Cocceius; "multus erit ut proritietur": Munster.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
55:7 Let the wicked change . . . turn to the Lord: True conversion demands a change of how we live in favor of God’s requirements (see 1:16-17; 30:15; 59:20). • have mercy on them: God’s compassion reaches out to the needy and finds them where they are. • he will forgive generously: Forgiveness of sin is foundational to the good news of redemption (see Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; see also Pss 32:1; 86:5; 99:8; 103:2-5).
Isaiah 55:7
Invitation to the Needy
6Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. 7Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Hunter
By David Wilkerson3.4K54:20PSA 103:12ISA 55:7JER 31:3LUK 15:7ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, Reverend David Wilkerson shares a powerful story about a young man named Jose who was a drug addict. When Reverend Wilkerson went to Jose's apartment to pick him up, he noticed two young children, Jose's siblings, who were left alone and scared. As they were about to leave, Jose shared that their mother was a prostitute and was out on the streets. Suddenly, Jose felt a spiritual attack from demonic forces, but he called out to Jesus and they fled. This experience made Jose realize the power of Christ and the importance of having a repentant heart. Reverend Wilkerson emphasizes that God loves his people, even when they sin, and desires a repentant heart. He also highlights the preciousness of every individual in the sight of God, despite their failures and mistakes. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's grace and forgiveness, and the need to hold onto the truth that we are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
Perfect Cleansing
By Stephen Olford1.8K47:44CleansingPSA 32:5PSA 103:12ISA 55:7MAT 6:33ROM 6:141JN 1:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the way of perfect cleansing and the discovery that no change takes place in a person after they are converted. The speaker uses a story of two boys fighting to illustrate the need for forgiveness and the importance of not harboring anger in one's heart. The speaker then goes on to explain how the sewage system in London symbolizes the corruption of the human heart and how it is ultimately cleansed. The sermon concludes with the reminder that everyone is a sinner by nature, practice, and design, and that victory can only be found by relying on the indwelling life of Christ.
Turn or Burn
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K42:03PSA 7:12PSA 51:17ISA 1:18ISA 45:22ISA 55:7MRK 16:16LUK 23:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a clearing with a light. To his surprise, he finds a group of people gathered there, listening to an orator. The minister feels compelled to speak but is unsure of what to say. However, before he can speak, a man rises and addresses the crowd, expressing his disagreement with the orator's blasphemies. The sermon highlights the need for individuals to acknowledge God's justice and turn away from sin.
Witnesses Against You
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K33:42NEH 5:7ISA 55:7MAT 6:33MAT 10:28MRK 16:16ACT 16:312PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful scene of a blood-washed host, a group of believers who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. He emphasizes that these believers would not extend any sympathy or support to an unconverted person who remains an enemy of God. The preacher then offers the enlisting money, symbolizing the invitation to receive Christ and become a servant and soldier of the cross. He declares that true religion brings joy and triumph in life and even in the face of death. The sermon concludes with a warning to those who continue to oppose God, as they will face the judgment and the assembly of saints, angels, and God Himself will be against them.
"Conditions of National Revival"
By Colin Peckham1.6K01:412CH 7:14PSA 145:18ISA 55:7JER 29:13JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the conditions for national revival as outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14, a well-known but often overlooked promise in the Bible. The verse provides a clear prescription for revival, calling for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It is described as God's ultimate formula for spiritual awakening and restoration.
Things You Should't Pray About
By Paris Reidhead1.2K58:21PrayerISA 55:7COL 3:1COL 3:8COL 3:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of sin in the life of a Christian. He emphasizes that these consequences are costly and should not be taken lightly, regardless of one's financial status or proximity to death. The speaker warns that sin not only leads to the loss of rewards in heaven, but also to the loss of joy, peace, and other blessings in the present life. He compares the importance of setting goals and finding the best way to achieve them in building a railroad to the importance of setting spiritual goals and focusing one's emotions on them. The speaker encourages listeners to seek the things above and control their emotions in order to succeed in the Christian life.
Saved - Then What?
By Bill McLeod1.1K22:17SanctificationISA 55:7AMO 4:12MRK 1:15MRK 16:16JHN 1:10ACT 2:38HEB 9:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the unknown, as we do not know when God will call us away or when Christ will return. The speaker references various parables, such as the parable of the ten virgins, to illustrate the need for readiness and accountability before God. The sermon highlights that every Christian will have to give an account of their life before God, and while this does not affect salvation, it is still crucial. The speaker urges believers to live as full-time Christians, shining the love of God and sharing the message of Christ with others.
The Problem Is You Won't Repent by Tim
By Tim Conway1.1K04:53ISA 55:7LUK 13:3ACT 17:30JAS 4:82PE 3:9This sermon addresses the issue of people claiming they can't repent, highlighting the underlying problem of unwillingness rather than inability. It emphasizes the importance of true repentance, not self-righteous acts or attempts to manipulate God into saving them. The message stresses the need for genuine helplessness and surrender to God's terms for repentance, rather than trying to earn salvation through personal efforts.
Jesus, What Would You Have Me to Do?
By Dwight Steven1.1K37:32SurrenderPSA 51:10ISA 55:7MAT 6:33MAT 9:23MRK 9:23MRK 10:46LUK 18:35In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus. He uses the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cried out to Jesus for help, as an example. The preacher highlights how Bartimaeus saw his own condition and realized his inability to help himself. He urges the listeners to examine their own hearts and acknowledge their need for a Savior. The sermon concludes with a call to respond to Jesus and cry out to Him for help and salvation.
God's Recipe for Revival
By Bill McLeod1.0K41:59RevivalISA 55:7LAM 3:57HEB 10:22JAS 4:4JAS 4:10In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was struggling with a secret sin. Despite praying and crying out to God, he felt no relief. Eventually, he confided in a friend who asked him about his relationship with his parents. This led to a work of renewal in his heart as he drew near to God. The preacher then goes on to talk about the powerful revival in the Hebrides, where 80 young people were transformed after a moment of conviction and prayer. The revival started with the prayers of two old ladies.
Promises Regarding Revival - Part 1
By Bill McLeod97744:10RevivalISA 55:7MAT 21:22JHN 20:29HEB 3:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who had a life-changing encounter with God. The man was drinking when he suddenly felt a strange feeling that he would never drink again. This led to a powerful moment of repentance and prayer, with 85 children joining in. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart, as the pure in heart are blessed and able to see God in ways others cannot. The antidote for unbelief is found in the word of God, which builds faith. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God, even in financial difficulties, as God has a way of providing and taking care of His people. The sermon also highlights the importance of honoring God and being willing to die to oneself in order to experience transformation in one's life. The speaker shares a personal story of someone who was miraculously spared from going to jail, illustrating God's ability to intervene in difficult situations. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus, despite being the Son of God, could not perform mighty works in his hometown due to the people's unbelief. The speaker encourages listeners to be willing vessels for God's work and to trust in His power.
Still a Great Way Off (Gospel)
By Roy Hession78844:22GospelEXO 34:6PSA 103:8ISA 55:7MAT 6:33LUK 14:31LUK 15:20ROM 5:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two snippets from the parables in Luke chapters 14 and 15. The first snippet is about counting the costs before deciding to become a Christian. The preacher uses the analogy of two kings preparing for war, with one king wisely considering his chances of victory before engaging in battle. The second snippet is about the prodigal son, who is welcomed back by his father with open arms and restored to a proper relationship. The preacher emphasizes the compassion and love of the father, highlighting the importance of forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with God.
Hope for the Backslider
By Shane Idleman78825:49PSA 51:10PRO 28:13ISA 55:7LUK 1:76ACT 3:19ROM 10:92CO 7:10HEB 12:6JAS 4:8REV 3:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God to restore relationships, receive answers to prayers, and experience joy, peace, and contentment. It highlights that repentance is essential for receiving further guidance from God and restoring broken areas in life. The speaker stresses that repentance leads to a renewed relationship with God, bridging the gap caused by sin and judgment, and ultimately, turning the heart back towards the Father.
What Christ Means to Me!
By Stan Ford68538:35PSA 32:7ISA 55:7ACT 3:19REV 1:5REV 4:4REV 5:11REV 7:9In this sermon, the speaker opens the book of Revelation and reflects on the praise given to God by one man. The speaker emphasizes that God is too big to be limited to just four wedding creatures or a junior choir. The speaker then highlights the presence of four and twenty elders, possibly referring to the junior choir. However, the speaker is amazed to discover that there are thousands upon thousands singing worthy of the Lamb. The sermon also touches on the theme of loneliness and the importance of being connected to Christ to avoid being lost. The speaker shares a personal story of taking a wrong turn and feeling lost in London. The sermon concludes with a story of a little boy on London Bridge who is not lost but is searching for his parents.
He Shall See His Seed
By Ian Paisley66233:47PSA 145:4ISA 55:7MAT 11:28MAT 28:19LUK 15:7JHN 1:6REV 7:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the assurance of salvation for those who follow Christ. He uses the imagery of a ship in a storm to illustrate that all who obey Christ's command will safely reach their destination in heaven. The preacher also highlights the importance of trusting in the Lord and resting on His promises during difficult times. He concludes by emphasizing the victory that believers will experience when they all gather in heaven and the assurance that God's seed, His chosen people, will be saved.
God Indwelling Us - Duncan Campbell
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons39957:53RadioEXO 40:2PSA 32:5ISA 55:7MAT 6:33ACT 11:241PE 2:91PE 2:12In this sermon, Duncan Campbell shares a story about a farmer who experienced a deep conviction of sin and cried out to God for mercy. After a week of fervent prayer, the farmer's prayers shifted from pleading for mercy to rejoicing and praising God for his forgiveness. Campbell uses this story to illustrate the concept of God becoming real in our lives, the invasion of the heavenly into the earthly. He then poses the question to the audience, particularly the young people, asking if God is truly real to them and if they have a genuine faith.
The Second Coming 02 Why He Is Coming Again
By Stan Ford39840:30ISA 55:7MAT 6:33JHN 1:12JHN 14:3ACT 20:211CO 15:221TH 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the day when believers will meet the Lord Jesus. He assures the congregation that nothing can prevent them from coming to Christ if they are willing. The preacher uses the three words "Here, Take, Hang" to convey his message. He also reminds the audience of the credibility of the one who promised to come again, highlighting that it is God himself. The sermon concludes by discussing the four things that will happen when Christ returns, including the resurrection of believers and their removal from the earth.
But I Promised God I Wouldn't Do That Again
By Paris Reidhead19935:58SinISA 55:7MAT 7:1MAT 18:151CO 11:312TI 2:19HEB 12:61JN 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the consequences of selling one's soul for worldly desires. He warns against the dangers of straying from God's path and the negative impact it can have on one's life. The speaker shares personal experiences and highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. The sermon also emphasizes the need to resist the devil and not give him any foothold in our lives.
But Is Repentance Desirable?
By Harry Ironside0SalvationRepentanceJOB 33:14ISA 55:7MAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 15:10JHN 5:24ACT 17:30ROM 8:11CO 11:312PE 3:9Harry Ironside addresses the question of whether repentance is desirable, challenging contemporary humanistic views that deny the need for repentance by emphasizing man's supposed innate dignity. He argues that true repentance is essential for recognizing our sinful nature and the need for salvation through Christ, contrasting it with philosophies that promote self-justification and ignore the reality of sin. Ironside asserts that repentance is not only desirable but imperative for salvation, as it leads to a deeper understanding of God's grace and the joy of redemption. He emphasizes that true repentance involves acknowledging our shortcomings and turning to Christ, the Great Physician, for healing and transformation. Ultimately, he concludes that without repentance, no sinner can be saved, as it is a command from God Himself.
Azusa Street's Confession of Faith
By William Seymour0EXO 15:26PRO 28:13ISA 55:7EZK 33:15MAT 9:13MRK 1:14MRK 16:16LUK 15:21LUK 19:8JHN 3:8JHN 17:15ACT 3:19ACT 10:42ROM 3:252CO 7:91TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 5:14William Seymour preaches on The Confession of Faith Statement of the Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, emphasizing the Apostolic Faith Movement's stand for the restoration of the old-time religion and Christian unity. The sermon covers teachings on repentance, godly sorrow for sin, confession of sins, forsaking sinful ways, restitution, faith in Jesus Christ, justification, sanctification as the second work of grace, and the baptism with the Holy Ghost as a gift of power upon the sanctified life.
Lecture Xxi. - the Backslider in Heart.
By Charles Finney0Spiritual RenewalBacksliding2CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 14:14ISA 55:7MAT 11:28GAL 6:1HEB 10:26JAS 4:81JN 1:9REV 2:4Charles Finney warns against the dangers of backsliding in heart, emphasizing that it is not merely a loss of emotional fervor but a serious spiritual condition where one withdraws from true devotion to God. He outlines the signs of a backslidden heart, such as formality in worship, lack of joy in serving God, and a spirit of uncharitableness. Finney explains the consequences of backsliding, including being filled with one's own ways and losing peace and joy. He concludes with steps for recovery, urging individuals to remember their fallen state, repent, and return to God with sincerity. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance in maintaining a genuine relationship with God.
Edition 10 - Everywhere Preaching the Word
By William Seymour0ISA 55:7MAT 3:11MAT 28:19JHN 15:3JHN 17:15ACT 2:3ROM 6:3ROM 7:2HEB 13:4William Seymour preaches about the powerful experiences of seeking the fullness of God through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. He shares personal encounters of deep prayer, cleansing, and seeking God earnestly. Through a series of spiritual encounters, including visions of the cross, the dove, and the lily, Seymour experiences the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in a profound way. He describes manifestations of speaking in tongues and the overwhelming sense of God's glory and anointing upon him.
The Greatest Sentence That Was Ever Written
By R.A. Torrey0God's LoveSalvationPSA 136:1ISA 55:7ISA 63:9JHN 3:16ROM 5:81CO 13:4EPH 2:4HEB 12:61JN 3:11JN 4:8R.A. Torrey emphasizes the profound truth encapsulated in the phrase 'God is love' from 1 John 4:8, asserting it as the greatest sentence ever written. He explains that this simple declaration reveals the essence of the Bible and God's relationship with humanity, highlighting His willingness to forgive, punish, sympathize, give, and sacrifice for us. Torrey illustrates how God's love is demonstrated through His actions, including the ultimate sacrifice of His Son for our salvation. He urges listeners to reflect on their response to God's love, encouraging acceptance rather than rejection. The sermon serves as a powerful reminder of the depth and implications of God's love for each individual.
The Hope of the Gospel (Choose Your Overcomer: Christ or the flesh.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Hope of the GospelOvercoming the FleshISA 55:7MAT 26:41JHN 13:1ROM 8:372CO 5:17GAL 5:16EPH 6:12PHP 3:14COL 1:231JN 5:4Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of remaining steadfast in the hope of the gospel, warning against the dangers of allowing the flesh to dominate our lives. He illustrates how even those who have walked closely with Christ, like Judas Iscariot, can fall prey to the flesh if they do not continually choose to let Jesus reign in their hearts. Waldvogel calls Christians to forsake their own ways and thoughts, urging them to seek a deeper relationship with God and to be vigilant against the subtle temptations of the devil. He challenges believers to reflect on who truly overcomes in their lives—Christ or the flesh—and to strive for a life that reflects the love and light of Jesus. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for Christians to prepare for the coming of the Lord by living in the Spirit and not in the flesh.
Micah 7:18
By Chuck Smith0God's MercyTransformation through ChristPSA 103:8ISA 55:7EZK 33:11MIC 7:18JHN 8:36ROM 5:82CO 5:171JN 1:9Chuck Smith preaches on Micah 7:18, emphasizing the unique nature of God who pardons iniquity and shows mercy, contrasting Him with pagan gods who are vengeful and selfish. He highlights God's compassion, His willingness to forgive, and His power to subdue our iniquities, offering hope to those struggling with sin. Smith reassures that God does not remain angry forever and delights in showing mercy, encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to transform their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to serve this merciful God who desires a relationship with His people.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unrighteous--Hebrew, "man of iniquity"; true of all men. The "wicked" sins more openly in "his way"; the "unrighteous" refers to the more subtle workings of sin in the "thoughts." All are guilty in the latter respect, thought many fancy themselves safe, because not openly "wicked in ways" (Psa 94:11). The parallelism is that of gradation. The progress of the penitent is to be from negative reformation, "forsaking his way," and a farther step, "his thoughts," to positive repentance, "returning to the Lord" (the only true repentance, Zac 12:10), and making God his God, along with the other children of God (the crowning point; appropriation of God to ourselves: "to our God"). "Return" implies that man originally walked with God, but has apostatized. Isaiah saith, "our God," the God of the believing Israelites; those themselves redeemed desire others to come to their God (Psa 34:8; Rev 22:17). abundantly pardon--Literally, "multiply to pardon," still more than "have mercy"; God's graciousness is felt more and more the longer one knows Him (Psa 130:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let the wicked forsake his way,.... His evil way, as the Targum paraphrases it, his wicked course of life; and which is his own way, of his own choosing, and in which he delights, and a very dangerous one it is; and yet he is bent upon it, and nothing can turn him from it but efficacious grace; nor will he ever forsake it till he sees the evil, danger, and loathsomeness of it; and when he does forsake it, it is so as not to make sin the course of his life, though he does not and cannot live without sin. The word for "wicked" signifies restless, troublesome, and ungodly, and is expressive of the pollution and guilt of sin all are under. Some are notoriously wicked, and all men are wicked in the account of God, though they may think otherwise themselves; and they become so their own apprehensions, when they are thoroughly awakened and convinced of sin, and of the evil of their ways, and are enabled to forsake them: though this may also be understood of "his own way" of saving himself, which is by works of righteousness he has done, in opposition to God's way of saving men by Jesus Christ; which way of his own must be relinquished, and Christ alone must be applied unto, and laid hold on, for salvation: and the unrighteous man his thoughts: not his natural thoughts, but his sinful ones, his wrong thoughts of religion, righteousness, and salvation; particularly his thoughts of being justified by his own righteousness; which thoughts are to be forsaken, as being contrary to God's way of justifying sinners; and as all men are unrighteous, are destitute of righteousness, and full of unrighteousness, so is the self-righteous person; and he must be divested of all thoughts of his own righteousness, and acknowledge himself an unrighteous man, ere he receives mercy, forgiveness, righteousness and salvation, at the hands of the Lord: and let him return unto the Lord; from whom he has departed, against whom he has sinned, and who only can save him; and this he does when he comes and acknowledges his sin before the Lord, implores his grace and mercy, and attends his word and worship; all which is the fruit and effect of powerful and efficacious grace, in turning and drawing. The Targum is, "and let him turn to the worship of the Lord:'' and he will have mercy upon him; which shows that the returning of the sinner to God is not meritorious, it is mercy still to receive him; and which is here mentioned as the motive to return; there is an abundance of it with the Lord, and he has resolved and promised to show it, and he takes delight in it, and many are the instances of it: and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon; God is to be applied unto, not as an absolute God, or out of Christ; but as our God in Christ, in whom he has proclaimed his name, a God gracious and merciful, and so he does abundantly pardon. The promise of pardon is absolute and unconditional, and is here observed as the motive to forsake sin, and not that as the condition of pardon; the design is to comfort those that are distressed with sin; God does and will pardon, and none but he can, and he has declared that he will; forgiveness is with him, and it is published in the Gospel, and there have been many instances of it. The Lord does abundantly pardon, or "multiply to pardon" (m); he pardons all sorts of sinners, and all sorts of sins; original sin, actual sins and transgressions; all backslidings and revoltings; all but the sin against the Holy Ghost. (m) "multiplicabit ad parcendum vel ut parcat", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; "multiplicabit condonare", Cocceius; "multus erit ut proritietur": Munster.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
55:7 Let the wicked change . . . turn to the Lord: True conversion demands a change of how we live in favor of God’s requirements (see 1:16-17; 30:15; 59:20). • have mercy on them: God’s compassion reaches out to the needy and finds them where they are. • he will forgive generously: Forgiveness of sin is foundational to the good news of redemption (see Eph 1:7; Col 1:14; see also Pss 32:1; 86:5; 99:8; 103:2-5).