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Isaiah 55:9
Verse
Context
Invitation to the Needy
8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as the heavens are higher - I am persuaded that כ caph, the particle of comparison, is lost in this place, from the likeness of the particle כי ki, immediately preceding it. So Houbigant and Secker. And their remark is confirmed by all the ancient Versions, which express it; and by the following passage of Psa 103:11, which is almost the same: - הארץ על שמים כגבה כי haarets al shamayim chigboah ki יראיו על חסדו גבר yereaiv al chasdo gabar "For as the heavens are high above the earth, So high is his goodness over them that fear him." Where, by the nature of the sentence, the verb in the second line ought to be the same with that in the first; גבה gabah, not גבר gabar: so Archbishop Secker conjectured; referring however to Psa 117:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Psa 57:10; Psa 89:2; Psa 103:11). "For" is repeated from Isa 55:8. But MAURER, after the negation, translates, "but."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as the heavens, are higher than the earth,.... Than which there cannot be conceived a greater distance: so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts; which may denote the heavenliness of the ways and thoughts of God, the eternity and unsearchableness of them, and their excellency and preciousness; as well as the very great distance between his ways and thoughts and men's which this is designed to illustrate.
Isaiah 55:9
Invitation to the Needy
8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Lead Me in the Way Everlasting
By Carter Conlon2.3K1:00:30The Way EverlastingPSA 51:10PSA 126:6ISA 55:6ISA 55:9ISA 55:12LUK 14:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and effectiveness of God's word in our lives. He encourages listeners to cry out to God and acknowledge that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. The preacher explains that when we allow God's word to enter our hearts, it brings about transformation and produces fruit in our lives. He also highlights the importance of letting go of our own thoughts and desires in order to embrace the treasure of God's kingdom. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's strength and an invitation to follow His everlasting way.
The Five Senses
By Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith1.7K58:59SensesPSA 139:14PRO 3:5ISA 55:9ROM 1:201CO 2:9EPH 2:10COL 1:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of Logos in biology and how we experience our environment. He emphasizes the importance of our senses, including the sixth sense of extra sensory perception. The speaker highlights the wisdom of Jesus Christ in creating our ability to perceive and interact with the world. He also discusses the significance of redeemed faces and the communication we have with the external environment. The sermon encourages the audience to appreciate and think about God's thoughts.
Studies in 1 Corinthians-02 1 Cor 1:26-2:5
By William MacDonald1.3K49:48ISA 55:9MAT 17:11CO 1:261CO 1:301CO 2:21CO 2:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the folly and weakness of the message of the Gospel according to the world's perspective. He emphasizes that Christians are often seen as a five-ranked army of fools. The preacher then describes the method used in preaching, highlighting the humility and lack of glory given to Paul. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of placing faith in the power of God rather than in the wisdom of men. Additionally, the preacher encourages reaching out to the poor and common people with the gospel, as they are more receptive to the message.
Proverbs 19- Lord, Why Is This Happening?
By Shane Idleman1.0K54:33PSA 139:23PRO 19:21ISA 55:9MAT 16:24ROM 8:28JAS 1:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, acknowledging the struggles and unknown hindrances that hold us back. It highlights the need for God to reveal and search our hearts for full surrender, compassion, and love. The speaker delves into the concept of God's sovereignty, explaining how our plans are subject to His purposes prevailing. The sermon also touches on the significance of repentance, obedience, and trust in God's control, even in the midst of confusion and unforeseen blessings.
Hidden Treasure & Strange Gods & Mountain Peaks - Part 1
By Bakht Singh4471:13:57Christian LifeISA 55:9MRK 16:15ACT 20:361CO 2:92CO 10:4EPH 3:20JAS 4:15In this sermon transcript, the speaker begins by praising and adoring God for his goodness, mercy, and unchanging love. They express gratitude for the opportunity to serve as witnesses and messengers of God's grand purpose in saving humanity. The speaker also acknowledges the help and protection received during their time abroad and asks for continued guidance and preparation for an upcoming occasion. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and testimonies and ends with a prayer for God's presence and accompaniment.
How to Handle Biblical Paradoxes
By Brent Barnett0DEU 29:29ISA 55:9ROM 11:331TI 6:4Brent Barnett delves into the mysteries found in Scripture that surpass human understanding, such as the Trinity, predestination, and God's sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of accepting these paradoxes as part of God's divine wisdom. Through passages like Deuteronomy 29:29 and Romans 11:33, he highlights the boundary of our knowledge and the need to humbly acknowledge God's unfathomable ways. Barnett urges believers to imitate the apostle Paul in embracing Biblical paradoxes, avoiding fruitless debates and divisions, and instead praising God for His transcendence over human intellect.
God's Precious Thoughts for His People
By Erlo Stegen0Trust in God's PlansGod's PromisesPSA 91:1ISA 55:9JER 29:11ROM 8:28ROM 8:31EPH 2:13PHP 4:71JN 4:19Erlo Stegen emphasizes God's precious thoughts for His people, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11, highlighting that even in dire circumstances, such as the Israelites' 70 years in Babylon, God has plans for peace and hope. He contrasts the truth of God's promises with the false prophets who spread despair, urging believers to trust in God's higher thoughts and plans. Stegen reminds us that God's love is unwavering, and even if we forget Him, He never forgets us, as demonstrated by the imprint of our lives on His hands. He calls for a complete surrender to God, encouraging Christians to live in the light of His good plans and to stand firm in faith despite challenges. Ultimately, Stegen reassures that with God, there is always a bright future ahead, filled with peace and purpose.
The Will of the Lord
By Erlo Stegen0MarriageGod's WillGEN 24:1PSA 37:4PRO 3:5ISA 55:9MAT 7:21ROM 12:21CO 6:18EPH 5:312TI 2:22JAS 1:5Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in all aspects of life, particularly in marriage. He warns against the dangers of making decisions based on personal desires or societal standards, illustrating this with stories of individuals who failed to seek divine guidance. Stegen highlights that true obedience to God is essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, as not everyone who claims to follow Him will do so. He encourages young people to be discerning and to align their choices with God's Word, conscience, and circumstances. Ultimately, he asserts that marriage is a sacred institution ordained by God, and it should be approached with reverence and self-control.
How to Read God's Word
By Andrew Murray0Reading The BibleSpiritual GrowthPSA 1:1PSA 119:18PSA 119:97ISA 55:9Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of reading God's Word with reverence, careful attention, and the expectation of the Holy Spirit's guidance. He encourages believers to meditate on Scripture, understanding that it comes from God and requires deep contemplation to grasp its spiritual meaning. Murray highlights the necessity of keeping God's Word in our hearts and lives, as exemplified by David's love for the law of the Lord. He urges readers to approach the Bible with a firm purpose to let it influence their daily lives and actions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt commitment to understanding and living out God's teachings.
The Larger Outlook
By John Henry Jowett0PSA 19:1ISA 55:9MAT 28:19ACT 1:8John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of expanding our perspective and thoughts to align with God's grand purposes and will. Using Abraham as an example, he illustrates how God leads us out of our limitations to see the vastness of His plans. Jowett challenges the listeners to examine the breadth of their love and prayers, urging them to move beyond selfish confines to embrace a more extensive, inclusive approach that encompasses the world.
Contentedly Ignorant
By Thomas Brooks0CuriosityHumility in FaithDEU 29:29ISA 55:9ROM 11:33Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of curiosity in understanding God's mysteries, urging believers to accept their limitations and be content with the knowledge God has revealed. He warns against the folly of trying to comprehend the incomprehensible depths of God's wisdom, suggesting that such pursuits can distract from true spiritual growth and prayer. Brooks encourages humility and reverence for the hidden aspects of God's will, reminding us that many seek knowledge at the expense of their relationship with God. He highlights that time spent in prayer is far more valuable than endless inquiries into obscure theological questions.
The Second Answer to Our Question:
By Andrew Murray0Dependence On GodSpiritual UnderstandingISA 55:9JHN 16:13ROM 8:261CO 1:30Andrew Murray emphasizes the danger of delighting in knowledge without belief or action, particularly in the spiritual realm. He explains that while human teachers can cultivate virtues in their pupils, understanding divine truths requires supernatural revelation, as our natural state is incapable of grasping spiritual realities. Murray points out that many Christians fail to recognize their complete dependence on Christ for wisdom, righteousness, and holiness, mistakenly believing that mere engagement with Scripture will yield spiritual growth. He warns that human reasoning cannot reach the divine truths of God, which can only be revealed through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper reliance on God's Spirit to truly understand and live out the teachings of the Bible.
It Can Be Done
By K.P. Yohannan0Obedience to God's WillFaith in God's PowerISA 55:9JER 33:3MAT 5:13JHN 15:5ACT 17:61PE 2:21K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that reaching the vast population of India with the Gospel is possible, as God equips us to accomplish what seems impossible. He illustrates this through biblical examples like Moses and Joshua, highlighting that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Yohannan urges believers to walk in obedience to God, as true effectiveness in ministry comes from His strength rather than our own efforts. He warns against relying on human strategies and encourages total submission to God's will, assuring that with divine guidance, we can achieve great things for His kingdom. Ultimately, knowing God intimately empowers us to face challenges without fear.
Glory - Part 2
By Arthur Blessitt0EXO 33:14NUM 14:21PSA 19:1PSA 104:31ISA 6:1ISA 43:7ISA 55:9EZK 1:26HAB 2:14Arthur Blessitt preaches on the glorious nature of God, emphasizing that His glory will fill the earth as promised in Numbers 14:21 and Habakkuk 2:14. The sermon delves into the various aspects of God's glory revealed in the Bible, from His love and forgiveness to His righteousness and creation, highlighting that everything about God is glorious. The message encourages seeking a deeper understanding of God's glory, as seen in encounters like Moses on Mount Sinai and Isaiah in the temple, to inspire and cleanse our souls.
A Glorious Future (Part 1)
By Erlo Stegen0God's Plans for Our FutureHope in GodISA 49:15ISA 55:9JER 29:11ROM 8:31Erlo Stegen emphasizes the dire state of the world, particularly among the youth, and the importance of recognizing God's plans for a glorious future despite current challenges. He draws on Jeremiah 29:11 to remind believers that God has thoughts of peace and hope for them, even in difficult times. Stegen encourages the congregation to align their thoughts with God's, assuring them that they are precious in His sight and that He is always in control. He highlights the need for faithfulness to God, as true hope and a bright future come from walking with Him. Ultimately, he reassures that even amidst trials, God is present and working for the good of those who love Him.
As the Rain and as the Snow
By George Warnock0PSA 1:3ECC 3:1ISA 55:9JHN 6:35ROM 8:28ROM 12:21CO 10:17George Warnock preaches about the journey of understanding Truth through walking in God's Way, emphasizing the need for our minds to be renewed to appreciate His higher ways and thoughts. He discusses the importance of ministering the Truth faithfully, comparing it to rain and snow that water the earth and bring forth life at the right season. Warnock reflects on the concept of predestination and the intricate pattern of God's plan for our lives, urging believers to trust in God's timing and process for their growth and fruitfulness.
The Sign of Prayer
By Samuel Chadwick0PSA 34:17ISA 55:9MAT 7:11LUK 11:9PHP 4:6JAS 5:17Samuel Chadwick emphasizes the inseparable connection between God and prayer, highlighting how belief in God and prayer are fundamental and intuitive to all religions. The Old Testament is rich in teachings about prayer, with commands, inducements, and examples of prevailing prayer. Chadwick delves into the essence of prayer, focusing on the laws of prayer laid down by Jesus and the significance of prayer as a sign of sonship. He explores God's perspective on prayer, showcasing how prayer is a symbol of grace and the privilege of sons, serving as a test of sonship.
End Time
By John Follette0PSA 27:5ISA 55:9JHN 10:272CO 10:4EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:11JN 4:4REV 3:20John Follette preaches about the distortion and corruption present in various fields such as music, philosophy, literature, and more, attributing it to the influence of the enemy who seeks to undermine the standards of goodness established by God. He emphasizes the contrast between the antichrist spirit and the spirit of Christ, urging the listeners to discern between the two. Despite the chaos and confusion in the world, Follette encourages hearing the voice of God amidst the roar of the nations, recognizing it as a sign of God's movement and speaking to those attuned to Him. He expresses a sense of God's invasion and push towards the earth, especially in these closing days, calling for a deep reliance on God's strength and vision to withstand the enemy's advances.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For as the heavens are higher - I am persuaded that כ caph, the particle of comparison, is lost in this place, from the likeness of the particle כי ki, immediately preceding it. So Houbigant and Secker. And their remark is confirmed by all the ancient Versions, which express it; and by the following passage of Psa 103:11, which is almost the same: - הארץ על שמים כגבה כי haarets al shamayim chigboah ki יראיו על חסדו גבר yereaiv al chasdo gabar "For as the heavens are high above the earth, So high is his goodness over them that fear him." Where, by the nature of the sentence, the verb in the second line ought to be the same with that in the first; גבה gabah, not גבר gabar: so Archbishop Secker conjectured; referring however to Psa 117:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Psa 57:10; Psa 89:2; Psa 103:11). "For" is repeated from Isa 55:8. But MAURER, after the negation, translates, "but."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For as the heavens, are higher than the earth,.... Than which there cannot be conceived a greater distance: so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts; which may denote the heavenliness of the ways and thoughts of God, the eternity and unsearchableness of them, and their excellency and preciousness; as well as the very great distance between his ways and thoughts and men's which this is designed to illustrate.