Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 52:3

"For thus saith Jehovah, Ye were sold for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money." — Isaiah 52:3 (ASV)

You have sold yourselves ... —Literally, you were sold. The people had complained that Jehovah had “sold them” into the hands of their enemies (Psalms 44:12). “Not so,” is the answer. “There was no real sale, only a temporary transfer, and therefore Jehovah can redeem you at His own pleasure. A comparison with Isaiah 43:3 shows how spiritual truths may present aspects that require the most opposite illustrations.