Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant--My loving devotion promised to David.
Incline your ear
This phrase calls for an active and intentional listening. The Hebrew word for "incline" is "natah," which means to stretch out or extend. It suggests a deliberate action to focus one's attention. In the context of Isaiah, this is a call to the Israelites to pay close attention to God's message. Historically, prophets were the mouthpieces of God, and their words were crucial for guidance and correction. This phrase emphasizes the importance of being receptive to divine instruction, a principle that remains relevant for believers today.

and come to Me
The invitation to "come" signifies a movement towards God, both physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word "bo" implies entering into a relationship or presence. This is not just a physical act but a spiritual journey towards intimacy with God. In the historical context of Isaiah, this was a call for the Israelites to return to God amidst their waywardness. For contemporary believers, it is a reminder of the open invitation to draw near to God, who desires a personal relationship with each individual.

Listen, so that your soul may live
The word "listen" here is "shama" in Hebrew, which means to hear intelligently with the implication of attention and obedience. This is more than just hearing; it is about understanding and acting upon what is heard. The promise that follows—"so that your soul may live"—indicates that true life, both now and eternally, is found in heeding God's word. Historically, this was a promise of restoration and life to a nation in exile. Spiritually, it underscores the belief that obedience to God leads to spiritual vitality and eternal life.

I will make with you an everlasting covenant
The term "everlasting covenant" refers to a perpetual and unbreakable agreement. The Hebrew word "berith" for covenant signifies a binding promise. In the context of Isaiah, this covenant is reminiscent of God's promises to David, ensuring a future hope and continuity of God's blessings. For Christians, this is seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, which offers eternal life and a restored relationship with God.

My loving devotion
The phrase "loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses love, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness. It is a central theme in the Old Testament, reflecting God's steadfast love and loyalty to His people. This loving devotion is the foundation of the covenant relationship, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to His promises. For believers, it is a source of comfort and assurance of God's unchanging love.

promised to David
This refers to the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Historically, this was a significant promise for Israel, ensuring a messianic hope through David's lineage. In Christian theology, this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is seen as the eternal King from the line of David. This promise underscores the faithfulness of God in keeping His word across generations, offering hope and assurance to believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry was primarily to the Kingdom of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.

2. David
The second king of Israel, David is a central figure in the Bible, known for his heart for God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. God's covenant with David promised an everlasting kingdom.

3. The Everlasting Covenant
This refers to God's promise of eternal faithfulness and mercy, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the descendant of David.
Teaching Points
Listening to God
The verse begins with a call to "incline your ear and come to Me." This emphasizes the importance of actively listening to God's voice through Scripture and prayer.

The Promise of Life
"So that your soul may live" highlights the life-giving power of God's word and His promises. True life is found in a relationship with God.

The Everlasting Covenant
Understanding the "everlasting covenant" as fulfilled in Jesus Christ encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging promises and His faithfulness throughout generations.

God's Loving Devotion
The phrase "My loving devotion assured to David" underscores God's steadfast love and faithfulness, which are central to His character and His dealings with humanity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call to "incline your ear" in Isaiah 55:3 challenge your current approach to listening to God? What practical steps can you take to improve this?

2. In what ways does the promise of an "everlasting covenant" provide assurance and hope in your personal walk with God?

3. How does understanding the connection between God's covenant with David and the life of Jesus enhance your appreciation of the New Testament?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's "loving devotion" in your life. How can this experience encourage you to trust Him more deeply?

5. How can the themes of Isaiah 55:3 be applied to your interactions with others, particularly in sharing the message of God's faithfulness and love?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 7
This chapter details God's covenant with David, promising that his throne will be established forever. Isaiah 55:3 echoes this promise, pointing to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant that God will make with His people, characterized by internal transformation and forgiveness, which aligns with the everlasting covenant mentioned in Isaiah 55:3.

Acts 13:34
Paul references Isaiah 55:3 in his sermon, connecting the promise of the "holy and sure blessings of David" to the resurrection of Jesus, affirming the fulfillment of God's covenant through Christ.
God's Call to the Needy and SinfulA. B. Davidson, D. D.Isaiah 55:3
God's CovenantG. A. Chadwick, D. D.Isaiah 55:3
God's Own Gospel CallIsaiah 55:3
God's VoiceC. Short, M. A.Isaiah 55:3
Incline Your EarIsaiah 55:3
Life in ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:3
Salvation Through the EarJ. Trapp.Isaiah 55:3
The Covenant with IsraelE. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 55:3
The Divine Call and PromiseJ. Bolton, B. A.Isaiah 55:3
The Highest LifeChristian AgeIsaiah 55:3
The Sure Mercies of DavidProf. J. Skinner, D. D.Isaiah 55:3
The Sure Mercies of DavidJ. Saurin.Isaiah 55:3
The Sure Mercies of DavidH. J. Hastings, M. A.Isaiah 55:3
The Way to LifeT. Kidd.Isaiah 55:3
Twelve Covenant MerciesIsaiah 55:3
The Messianic BlessingsE. Johnson Isaiah 55:1-5
A Free SalvationIsaiah 55:1-13
A Gracious InvitationJ. Parsons.Isaiah 55:1-13
Buy and EatJ. Trapp.Isaiah 55:1-13
Buyers Will Show that They PossessW. Cleaves, M. A.Isaiah 55:1-13
Buying of ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Buying Without MoneyIsaiah 55:1-13
Christ's Gracious TermsO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
ComeJ. Trapp.Isaiah 55:1-13
Come to the WatersJ. Trapp.Isaiah 55:1-13
Come! Come!T. De Flirt Talmage, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Driving a Trade with ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Food a Supreme NeedSunday School ChronicleIsaiah 55:1-13
God Eager for SinnersIsaiah 55:1-13
Gospel Blessings to be BoughtW. Cleaves, M. A.Isaiah 55:1-13
Gospel Invitation Without RestrictionJ. R. Macduff, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Invitation; Expostulation; EntreatyO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Man's Misery and God's CallG.A. Chadwick, D.D.Isaiah 55:1-13
No Coinage Can Buy Spiritual GoodA. Maclaran, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Soul ThirstHomilistIsaiah 55:1-13
Spiritual MerchandiseO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Spiritual ThirstO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Benefit of Trading with ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Best BargainMonthly Visitor.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Cries of the Water-CarriersF. Sessions.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Desire to Bring Something to ChristIsaiah 55:1-13
The Fulness of Christ Offered to the Needy SinnerO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Gospel First Addressed to Human NecessityJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Gracious InvitationT. D. Witherspoon, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Great ProclamationA. Mallard, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Jews in Exile Prosperous Yet ThirstingJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Proclamation and Expostulation of MercyJ. S. Swan.Isaiah 55:1-13
The Spiritual Appetite and its GratificationLira of FaithIsaiah 55:1-13
The True ImperialismJ. H. Jowett, M. A.Isaiah 55:1-13
Too Valuable to be BoughtChristian Budget.Isaiah 55:1-13
True Satisfaction in ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Trying to Buy SalvationChristian Budget.Isaiah 55:1-13
Water for the ThirstyO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Water, Wine and MilkF. Delitzsch, D. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Willingness to Buy of ChristO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Wine and MilkR. Jones, M. A.Isaiah 55:1-13
Without Money and Without PriceIsaiah 55:1-13
Without Money and Without PriceO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:1-13
Without Money and Without PriceChristian Budget.Isaiah 55:1-13
An Unsuitable DietMrs. H. W. Smith.Isaiah 55:2-3
Diligent Hearkening to ChristIsaiah 55:2-3
FatnessIsaiah 55:2-3
Feeding on the WordIsaiah 55:2-3
Folly and WisdomR. W. Pritchard, Ph. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
Food for the SoulH. W. Thomas, D. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
Foolish Neglect and Fruitless LabourO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
God's Call Should be HeededO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
God's Provision for Man's NeedJ. Higgins.Isaiah 55:2-3
HearkeningO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
Hearkening and EatingA. S. Gumbart.Isaiah 55:2-3
No BreadA. S. Gumbart.Isaiah 55:2-3
The False and True in PleasureHomilistIsaiah 55:2-3
The Folly of Man as a WorkerHomilistIsaiah 55:2-3
The Folly of Pursuing that Which Does not SatisfyO. Sedgwick, B. D.Isaiah 55:2-3
The Path of LifeIsaiah 55:2-3
The Soul's Best FoodIsaiah 55:2-3
Wasted StrengthW. Clarkson Isaiah 55:2, 3
Weighing MoneyJ. A. Alexander.Isaiah 55:2-3
People
David, Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Acts, Age-during, Agreement, Care, Covenant, David, Ear, Eternal, Everlasting, Faithful, Incline, Kind, Listen, Love, Mercies, Note, Promised, Shown, Soul, Souls, Steadfast, Stedfast, Sure, Turn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 55:3

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     1085   God, love of
     1140   God, the eternal
     1351   covenant, with David
     1352   covenant, the new
     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     5089   David, significance
     5148   ear
     8214   confidence, basis of
     8304   loyalty
     8711   covenant breakers

Isaiah 55:1-3

     5355   invitations
     6636   drawing near to God

Isaiah 55:2-3

     1690   word of God

Library
October 4. "Instead of the Brier, the Myrtle Tree" (Isa. Lv. 13).
"Instead of the brier, the myrtle tree" (Isa. lv. 13). God's sweetest memorial is the transformed thorn and the thistle blooming with flowers of peace and sweetness, where once grew recriminations. Beloved, God is waiting to make just such memorials in your life, out of the things that are hurting you most to-day. Take the grievances, the separations, the strained friendships and the broken ties which have been the sorrow and heartbreak of your life, and let God heal them, and give you grace to make
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 14. "Instead of the Thorn Shall Come up the Fir Tree" (Isa. Lv. 13).
"Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree" (Isa. lv. 13). Difficulties and obstacles are God's challenges to faith. When hindrances confront us in the path of duty we are to recognize them as vessels for faith to fill with the fulness and all-sufficiency of Jesus, and as we go forward, simply and fully trusting Him, we may be tested, we may have to wait and let patience have her perfect work, but we shall surely find at last the stone rolled away, and the Lord waiting to render unto us double
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Great Proclamation
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.'--ISAIAH lv.1. The meaning of the word preach is 'proclaim like a herald'; or, what is perhaps more familiar to most of us, like a town-crier; with a loud voice, clearly and plainly delivering the message. Now, there are other notions of a sermon than that; and there is other work which ministers have to do, of an educational kind.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

God's Ways and Man's
'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. 9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'-- ISAIAH lv. 8, 9. Scripture gives us no revelations concerning God merely in order that we may know about Him. These words are grand poetry and noble theology, but they are meant practically and in fiery earnestness. The 'for' at the beginning of each clause points us back to the previous
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Free Salvation
I. In the first place, then, I have to preach, to-night, WINE AND MILK--"Come buy wine and milk." There we have a description of the gospel--wine that maketh glad the heart of man; milk, the one thing and the only thing in the world which contains all the essentials of life. The strongest man might live on milk, for in it. there is everything which is needed for the human frame--for bone, for sinew, for nerve, for muscle, for flesh--all is there. There you have a double description. The gospel is
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

The Need and Nature of Conversion
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."--Isaiah 55:7. SOME years ago,[3]* I preached from the last four words of this verse, laying special stress upon the abundant pardon which is given to repenting sinners through the rich mercy of our God. On this occasion, I am going to put the emphasis upon the first part of the verse, speaking more upon the necessity
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 48: 1902

A God-Given Field (1894-1900)
"Lord, there is none beside thee to help, between the mighty and him that hath no strength; help us, O Lord our God; for we rely on thee, and in thy name are come against this multitude" (2 Chron. 14:11). THE story of the opening of Changte is so connected by a chain of prayer that to give isolated instances of prayer would be to break the chain. * * * * * A few months after our arrival in China an old, experienced missionary kindly volunteered to conduct Mr. Goforth and
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

A New Agency Needed
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."[3] How true are these words! When the LORD is bringing in great blessing in the best possible way, how oftentimes our unbelieving hearts are feeling, if not saying, like Jacob of old, "All these things are against me." Or we are filled with fear, as were the disciples when the LORD, walking on the
James Hudson Taylor—A Retrospect

My Beloved is Mine and I am His; He Feedeth among the Lilies.
O inconceivable happiness of a soul wholly and unreservedly devoted to her beloved, and to whom the Well-beloved is all! The Spouse is here so enamored of the goodness and caresses of the Bridegroom manifested for the purpose of obliging her to leave herself, that she thinks she has already arrived at the height of felicity and summit of perfection, and that her marriage is now to take place. She says that her Beloved is hers, to dispose of as pleases Him, and that she is His, for the whole extent
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

The Warmly Affectionate Dutch
Sunday, 22.--I went to the new church, so called still, though four or five hundred years old. It is larger, higher, and better illuminated than most of our cathedrals. The screen that divides the church from the choir is of polished brass and shines like gold. I understood the Psalms that were sung, and the text well, and a little of the sermon which Mr. De H. delivered with great earnestness. At two I began the service at the English church, an elegant building, about the size of West Street Chapel.
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Passing and the Permanent
'For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.'--ISAIAH liv, 10.-- There is something of music in the very sound of these words. The stately march of the grand English translation lends itself with wonderful beauty to the melody of Isaiah's words. But the thought that lies below them, sweeping as it does through the whole creation, and parting all things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Immanuel
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name IMMANUEL , God with us. T here is a signature of wisdom and power impressed upon the works of God, which evidently distinguishes them from the feeble imitations of men. Not only the splendour of the sun, but the glimmering light of the glow-worm proclaims His glory. The structure and growth of a blade of grass, are the effects of the same power which produced the fabric of the heavens and the earth. In His Word likewise He is
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

"And this is his Commandment," &C.
1 John iii. 23.--"And this is his commandment," &c. There are different tempers of mind among men, some more smooth and pliable, others more refractory and froward. Some may be persuaded by love, who cannot be constrained by fear. With some a request will more prevail than a command. Others again are of a harsher disposition. Love and condescension doth rather embolden them, and therefore they must be restrained with the bridle of authority. It would seem that the Lord hath some regard to this in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Introduction, with Some General Observations from the Cohesion.
Doubtless it is always useful, yea, necessary, for the children of God to know the right way of making use of Christ, who is made all things to them which they need, even "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," 1 Cor. i. 30. But it is never more necessary for believers to be clear and distinct in this matter, than when Satan, by all means, is seeking to pervert the right ways of the Lord, and, one way or other, to lead souls away, and draw them off Christ; knowing that, if he prevail
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Conversion of all that Come.
"Turn Thou me and I shall be turned." --Jer. xxxi. 18. The elect, born again and effectually called, converts himself. To remain unconverted is impossible; but he inclines his ear, he turns his face to the blessed God, he is converted in the fullest sense of the word. In conversion the fact of cooperation on the part of the saved sinner assumes a clearly defined and perceptible character. In regeneration there was none; in the calling there was a beginning of it; in conversion proper it became a
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in Bestowing Righteousness, and of the Certainty of Salvation.
1. After a brief recapitulation, the question, Whether or not good works merit favor with God, considered. 2. First answer, fixing the meaning of the term Merit. This term improperly applied to works, but used in a good sense, as by Augustine, Chrysostom, Bernard. 3. A second answer to the question. First by a negative, then by a concession. In the rewarding of works what to be attributed to God, and what to man. Why good works please God, and are advantageous to those who do them. The ingratitude
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as Natural Reason Admits.
1. Secondary helps to establish the credibility of Scripture. I. The arrangement of the sacred volume. II. Its dignity. III. Its truth. IV. Its simplicity. V. Its efficacy. 2. The majesty conspicuous in the writings of the Prophets. 3. Special proofs from the Old Testament. I. The antiquity of the Books of Moses. 4. This antiquity contrasted with the dreams of the Egyptians. II. The majesty of the Books of Moses. 5. The miracles and prophecies of Moses. A profane objection refuted. 6. Another profane
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour, and are Wearied," &C.
Matth. xi. 28.--"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are wearied," &c. It is the great misery of Christians in this life, that they have such poor, narrow, and limited spirits, that are not fit to receive the truth of the gospel in its full comprehension; from whence manifold misapprehensions in judgment, and stumbling in practice proceed. The beauty and life of things consist in their entire union with one another, and in the conjunction of all their parts. Therefore it would not be a fit way
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." All that know any thing of religion, must needs know and confess that there is no exercise either more suitable to him that professeth it, or more needful for him, than to give himself to the exercise of prayer. But that which is confessed by all, and as to the outward performance gone about by many, I fear is yet a mystery sealed up from us, as the true and living nature of it. There is much of it expressed here in few words, "whereby we cry, Abba,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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