Charles Ellicott Commentary Isaiah 55

Ho, every one that thirsteth ... —The whole context shows that the water, the wine, the milk are all symbols of spiritual blessings as distinctly as they are, e.g., in John 4:10; Matthew 26:29; 1 Peter 2:2. The word “buy” is elsewhere confined to the purchase of corn, and would not rightly have been used of wine and milk. The invitation is addressed, as in a tone of pity, to the bereaved and afflicted one of Isaiah 54:6-7.

Without money and without price. — “Literally, For not-money and not-price. The prophet had used the word “buy,” but he feels that that word may be misinterpreted. “No silver or gold can buy the blessing which He offers. Something, indeed, is required, and therefore the word “buy” is still the right word; but the “price” is simply the self-surrender that accepts the blessing. Compare Proverbs 3:14-15; Matthew 13:45–46.

Wherefore do ye spend money ... —Here again the “bread” is that which sustains the true life of the soul. “Labour” stands for the “earnings of labour.” Israel had given her money for that which was “not-bread.” She is called to accept the true bread for that which is “not-money,” namely, as the next verse shows, for the simple “hearing of faith.” “Fatness,” as in Isaiah 25:6, and the “fatted calf” of Luke 15:23, represents the exuberance of spiritual joy.

Your soul shall live ... —Better, revive. The idea is that of waking to a new life.

I will make an everlasting covenant ... —These words find their explanation in the “new covenant” of Jeremiah 31:31 and Luke 22:20, but what follows shows that it is understood as the expansion and completion of the covenant that had been made with David (2 Samuel 7:12–17; Psalms 89:34–35), as the representative of the true King, whom Isaiah now contemplates as identical with the “servant of the Lord.” For “sure mercies,” understand the unfailing loving-kindnesses, which were “of David,” as given to him and his seed by Jehovah.

I have given him ... —Better, I gave, the words referring primarily to the historic David , though realized fully only in Him who was the faithful and true witness (John 18:37; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 3:14), the captain or leader of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10).

Thou shalt call a nation. —The calling of the Gentiles and the consequent expansion of the true idea of Israel is again dominant. The words sound like an echo from Psalm 18:43.

Because of the Lord thy God ... —The words are repeated, as expressing a thought on which the prophet loved to dwell, in Isaiah 60:9.