The great invitation
Isaiah 55 invites those who are thirsty to come to the waters, and those without money to buy this without price.
Wine & Milk
The prophet urges us to do this action while the Lord may be found, and call upon Him while He is near.
Seek the Lord
God declares this is the difference between His ways/thoughts and ours.
His ways and thoughts are higher than ours
God promises that those who respond to His invitation will go out in this state.
Joy
Isaiah 55 opens by inviting "all who are thirsty." According to verses 1 and 2, what is the prerequisite for partaking in this banquet?
Those who have no money
The prophet asks why people spend money on this and labor for that which does not satisfy.
Not bread
This type of person is instructed to forsake their way.
The wicked
God compares the height of His ways to the height of the heavens above this.
The earth
In addition to joy, God promises His followers will be led forth in this state.
Peace
The everlasting covenant mentioned in Isaiah 55 was previously tied to King David. How is this covenant extended in verse 5?
To summon and gather unknown nations
Incline your ear and come to God, and this part of you shall live.
Your soul
This kind of man is told to forsake his thoughts.
The Lord compares the effectiveness of His word to these two weather elements that come down from heaven.
The rain and the snow
As the redeemed go out, these geographical features will burst into song before them.
Mountains and hills
In Isaiah 55:2, God warns the people against spending money on what is not bread. In the context of biblical history, what spiritual trap might He be addressing?
Looking to the world, false idols, or human efforts for spiritual satisfaction rather than God?
God will make an everlasting covenant with you, based on the sure mercies of this famous figure.
David
If the wicked and unrighteous turn to God, He will have mercy and do this for them.
Freely (or abundantly) pardon
Just as water does not return to heaven without watering the earth, God's word will never do this.
Return to him empty
These parts of the field are described as clapping their hands.
The trees
According to verse 11, God's word is guaranteed to accomplish its purpose. Yet, historically, Israel experienced exile. How can God's word not return empty even amidst times of national judgment?
By achieving His ultimate purposes of discipline, redemption, and faithful fulfillment of His promises
God has given him to be a witness, a leader, and a commander to the people.
The Messiah
This is the ultimate response you are encouraged to make toward the Lord so He can have compassion on you.
Return to the Lord
God's word will accomplish what He desires and achieve this.
The purpose for which He sent it
Instead of these two prickly, negative plants, God promises the growth of the pine tree and the myrtle.
The bush and the briars
In verse 4, David is made a "witness to the peoples." How does verse 5 explain the role of the Israelites (or the servant) in summoning unknown nations to God?
By becoming a light and the nations "running" to God because of the Holy One of Israel