Introduction
Yahweh’s gracious invitation ch. 55
This chapter is part two of Isaiah’s celebration of the Servant’s work of redemption. In view of what God would do for humankind (ch. 54), people would need to appropriate the salvation that he provided (ch. 55).
"All things are ready; the guests are invited; and nothing is required of them except to come." [Note: Delitzsch, 2:353. Cf. Matthew 22:4; Romans 11:6.]
As in the preceding sections (Isaiah 52:13 to Isaiah 54:17), the people of God in view are primarily Israel but not exclusively Israel. As the Lord’s salvation extends to all people, so do the benefits of that salvation-for as many as take advantage of it. This chapter contains one of the warmest gospel invitations in the whole Bible. It forms a fitting climax to this section of Isaiah that deals with God’s provision of salvation (chs. 49-55).
"Redemption has been accomplished. Both in the introduction and in the conclusion of the fourth servant passage it was predicted that the heathen would belong to the servant [Isaiah 52:15; Isaiah 53:11-12]. The Blessings the servant has obtained for his people have been set forth abundantly (chap. 54), and now the invitation is extended to all that are in need to come and to partake of the salvation the Lord offers." [Note: Young, 3:374.]
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