Bible Commentaries

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 a 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.