Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible · Isaiah Chapter 55

Isaiah 55:1. Ho, every one that thirsteth— It is universally agreed, that this prophesy concerns the beginning of the Gospel, in describing the attributes of which period the prophet has hitherto been particularly employed; and that in this part of it, especially, both Jews and Gentiles are invited to the communion of gospel-blessings. The Jews themselves refer these words to the times of the Messiah. Divine grace is often represented under the similitude of springs and streams of water; and in the same manner divine knowledge, the food and support of the soul, is represented under the metaphors of meat and drink. See John 6:27. The prophet exhorts men, under this metaphor, to make use of the means of instruction offered by the Gospel; and thus the words are expounded by Christ himself, John 7:37. The word buying is often used to signify in general gaining or procuring any thing; and in this sense Solomon uses the words, when he bids us buy the truth and sell it not. The prophet here adds, without money, and without price, to shew that divine knowledge is of far greater value than to be purchased with money, being the gift of God. The freedom of divine grace, and of all the blessings of the Gospel, is also strongly denoted by these words. See Romans 3:24. Rev 22:17 and Vitringa.

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Isaiah 55:3. Incline your ear, &c.— Vitringa is of opinion, that these words are immediately addressed to the Jews, and he paraphrases them thus: "O ye Jews, who ought to be ashamed of refusing that grace, and the blessings accompanying it, which, offered equally to the Gentiles and to you, will be received by them with avidity; apply yourselves diligently, laying aside the prejudices that you are under, to know the doctrine of the kingdom of heaven, and to consider prudently the wonderful appearances, which will render the beginning of the kingdom of God remarkable among you." The sure mercies of David, mean those promises and blessings of the new covenant, which were to be fulfilled by the Messiah, who sprung from David. There are some who by David here understand the Messiah: an opinion which they ground particularly upon the next verse. See Psalms 89:2.

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Isaiah 55:4. Behold, I have given him, &c.— The witness and leader here spoken of, unquestionably, is the Messiah, whom God declares that he had given, not to instruct the Jews only, but also the people of the Gentiles. Instead of commander, Vitringa reads instructor. Christ is the faithful and true witness. See Revelation 3:14.

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