Isaiah 55

Isaiah 55:1

Ho,] A free invitation of all that are thirsty and hungry, both Jew, and Gentile to come and partake of the true spiritual food and graces of Christ in the Gospel, Mat. XI. 28. John VI. 35, 37.

buy] This impeacheth not the freenesse of the Gift. A Princes almes may be said to be freely given, albeit it be required, that those that desire to share in them, do repaire to his Almoner. And a Scholar may be said to have his learning freely given him, when no stipend is required for the teaching; yet must he ply the School hard.

Isaiah 55:3

the sure mercies of David] Acts XIII. 34. In this Citation the Apostle addes this, I will give you, for the fuller explication, and fitter application of it; to his purpose. The like is, Luke IV. 18. See Psal. LXXXIX. and 2 Chron. VI. 42. touching these mercies of David. But the full meaning is, The mercies of the Messias, the David, not past, but to come; the mercies before promised, and to be exhibited in, and by him; in whom the Covenant is made with Gods people, and in whom all Gods Promises are Yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. which Promises had never been made good, had not Christ been raised up from the dead; And therefore the Apostle, Acts XIII. 34. to good purpose alledgeth this Text.

Isaiah 55:4

I have given him] The words of God the Father concerning the Messias.

Isaiah 55:5

And Nations that knew not thee] The Gentiles.#he hath glorified thee] When after thy state of humiliation he shall have glorified thee in heaven.

Isaiah 55:6

Seek ye the Lord] An exhortation both to Jew and Gentile, to make request to Christ for grace and favour; to repent, and amend, and turn to him.

Isaiah 55:7

his thoughts] They not free.

Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts are not] But prone to pardon; and constant and immutable therein: as that shews which follows.

Isaiah 55:9

For as the heavens] My disposition and dealings, both for mercie and goodnesse, and for firmnesse and faithfulnesse, is as farre above yours, as, &c.

Isaiah 55:11

So shall the Word] My Promise to my people concerning reconcilement with them, upon their returne to me; and my deliverance of them out of captivity, be as firme and sure, and take effect.

Isaiah 55:13

In stead] Relating to the Jewes returne out of the Babylonish captivity, chap. IV. 2. and XXXV. 1, 2. The face and state of their Land and State should be strangely altered to the better. And generaly the flourishing estate of the Church of God, hereby is intimated, as abounding in spiritual graces and comforts.

signe] Monument, Memorial, Trophie: an everlasting honour to God, and a signe to his Church of his mercie to her.