Isaiah 55

Isaiah 55:1

Waters, which in that country are very scarce. — Milk. Septuagint, “fat.” (Calmet) — In the western Churches, wine and honey were given to the new baptized, chap. vii. 15. (St. Jerome) — Christ invites all to come to him, John iv. 14,. and vii. 37. The establishment of the Church is described under the figure of the return from Babylon. (Calmet) — Grace is offered to all. But only those are justified who thirst, and do their best, Matthew v. 6. (Worthington)

Isaiah 55:3

David. I will be equally faithful to you, Psalm lxxxviii. 29. Septuagint, " the holy things of David faithful, " Acts xiii. 34. The resurrection of Christ fully accomplished the promise made to David.

Isaiah 55:4

Him. David, who continually proclaimed the divine mercies, (Psalm xvii. 1.) or rather Christ; though Grotius alone would refer it to Jeremias. (Calmet)

Isaiah 55:5

Not with approbation. (Haydock) — The Gentiles are converted.

Isaiah 55:6

Near. He will shortly (Calmet) turn to the Gentiles, John xii. 35., and Acts xiii. 46. (Haydock)

Isaiah 55:7

Way. This is a necessary preliminary to God’s service. (Worthington)

Isaiah 55:8

My ways. I am not vindictive, but require a sincere conversion. (Calmet) — We cannot serve both God and the world. We must therefore adhere to the former. (Worthington)

Isaiah 55:11

Sent it. I will assuredly bring you from Babylon; and the rain shall sooner return upwards than I will break my promise.

Isaiah 55:12

Peace, by strangers, chap. xlix. 22. — Hands, for joy. (Calmet) — Ipsa sonant arbusta Deus Deus ille, Menacla. (Virgil, Eclogues v.)

Isaiah 55:13

Myrtle-tree. Instead of the wicked, the just shall be seen. (Chaldean) — Away. The conversion and sanctity of the Gentiles shall be a trophy to the Lord. (Menochius)

Isaiah 55:16

CHAPTER LV.