Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 55

God’s Free Invitation to AllThis section is about God’s generous offer of salvation to everyone. He invites people who are thirsty and needy to come to Him and receive what they cannot buy with money. God promises satisfaction, mercy, and blessings to all who seek Him. The passage teaches that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His word will always accomplish His purpose.v. 1: God calls out, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!”He invites everyone, rich or poor, to receive His blessings for free .

v. 2: God asks, “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”He tells people to listen to Him so they can enjoy what is truly good .

v. 3: God says, “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.”He promises an everlasting covenant, like the one He made with David .

v. 4: God gave David as a witness, leader, and commander for the people. This points to God’s plan to use His chosen servant to lead others .

v. 5: God promises, “You shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you.”People from all nations will come to God because of His glory .

Evangelical Invitations.This passage explains the covenant of grace that God makes with us through Jesus Christ. It shows both what God asks from us and what He promises to give. The message is not just for Jews or Gentiles, or for people in one time or place, but for everyone who seeks true happiness (Isaiah 55:1 ). God’s invitation is open to all people, everywhere.v. 6: God calls people to pray and seek Him. Seek the Lord

v. 7: God invites everyone to repent and promises forgiveness. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to the Lord

v. 8–9: God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9 ). Sometimes, we think God cannot forgive us or will not welcome us back. But God’s thinking is very different from ours. His forgiveness is greater than we can imagine. He is not like people, who may forgive but not forget. When God forgives, He completely removes our sins (Jeremiah 31:20; Matthew 18:21 ). Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God’s ways higher than our ways. This reminds us to trust in God’s wisdom and mercy, even when we do not fully understand His plans.

v. 10–11: God’s word is powerful and always works as He intends (Isaiah 55:10–11 ). Just as rain and snow water the earth and make it produce food, God’s word brings life and change to those who listen. It will always accomplish what God wants, whether to save, teach, or judge. None of His promises will fail (1 Kings 8:56 ). Even if some people reject the message, it will still have its effect—either to give life or to warn of judgment (Isaiah 6:9; Hosea 14:5 ). This passage assures us that God’s word is never wasted and will always fulfill His purposes.

v. 12–13: God promises joy, peace, and complete change to His people (Isaiah 55:12–13 ). When the Jews left Babylon, they went out with happiness, and even nature seemed to rejoice with them. But this also points to the greater freedom and happiness Jesus brings. Those who were once like thorns and briers—hurtful and useless—will be changed to be like fir and myrtle trees—helpful and beautiful. The curse of sin will be replaced by God’s blessing (Genesis 3:18 ). This transformation will be a sign of God’s everlasting love and faithfulness. God will be honored, and His people will be encouraged forever. The joy and peace described here reflect the ultimate restoration and blessing that God promises to His people through salvation.