Exegesis of Isaiah 55:2 in Context
Exegesis of Isaiah 55:2 in Context
Isaiah 55:2 reads, "Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food" (ESV) [1].
Literary Context
This verse is part of a larger passage (Isaiah 55:1-13) that invites the people to partake in a divine banquet, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment over material wealth. The preceding chapter, Isaiah 54, describes the restoration of Zion and the expansion of God's people, with imagery that includes the enlargement of tents and the stretching out of tent curtains (Isaiah 54:2-3) [2]. The passage is characterized by its use of metaphorical language, contrasting the pursuit of fleeting, unsatisfying things with the joy of feasting on what is truly nourishing.
Historical Setting
Isaiah 55 is generally understood to be addressing the post-exilic community, encouraging those who have returned from Babylonian captivity to remain faithful to their covenant with God. The historical context is one of restoration and renewal, as the people are called to re-establish their relationship with God [7].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "that which is not bread" and "that which does not satisfy" in Isaiah 55:2 is crucial. The term "bread" here is often interpreted metaphorically to refer to spiritual nourishment or the word of God. John Gill notes that this chapter treats of "his word and ordinances, and of the nature, use, and efficacy of them" [7]. The contrast is between the pursuit of idols or worldly things that do not satisfy and the satisfaction found in following God's commands and ordinances.
Abraham Ibn Ezra, a Jewish commentator, interprets similar language in Isaiah 53:2 as referring to the growth or development of the servant of the Lord, suggesting a nuanced understanding of spiritual growth and satisfaction [5].
Range of Interpretations
Interpretations of Isaiah 55:2 vary among traditions. The verse is seen as an exhortation to seek spiritual nourishment. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides numerous cross-references that highlight the theme of seeking satisfaction in God versus worldly pursuits [1].
In the Jewish tradition, Rashi comments on the imagery of expansion in Isaiah 54:2, which precedes the invitation in Isaiah 55:1-2, indicating a connection between the physical or material expansion of Israel and the spiritual nourishment offered by God [6].
The Protestant academic tradition, as represented by Tyndale House, emphasizes the contrast between peace and satisfaction found in God versus the lack thereof in worldly pursuits, referencing similar themes in other parts of Isaiah [8].
Function in Tradition
Isaiah 55:2 has been used in various theological and liturgical contexts to emphasize the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment. The imagery of feasting on rich food has been incorporated into Christian liturgy and hymnody, symbolizing the joy and satisfaction found in communion with God.
The passage has also been used in controversies and discussions about the nature of true satisfaction and the futility of pursuing worldly idols. The cross-references provided by the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge highlight the thematic connections between Isaiah 55:2 and other biblical passages that discuss the pursuit of righteousness and the satisfaction found in God [1, 3, 4].
The use of this passage in tradition underscores the ongoing relevance of its themes, encouraging believers to reflect on the sources of their satisfaction and to seek nourishment in their relationship with God.
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 55:2 cross-references: Exodus 15:26, Deuteronomy 11:13, Psalms 22:26, Psalms 34:11, Psalms 36:8, Psalms 63:5, Proverbs 1:33, Proverbs 7:23, Proverbs 8:32, Proverbs 9:5, Ecclesiastes 6:2, Isaiah 1:19, Isaiah 25:6, Isaiah 44:20, Isaiah 46:6, Isaiah 51:1, Isaiah 51:4, Isaiah 51:7, Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 31:14, Hosea 8:7, Hosea 12:1, Habakkuk 2:13, Matthew 15:9, Matthew 22:4, Mark 7:14, Luke 15:15, Luke 15:23, John 6:48, Romans 9:31, Romans 10:2, Romans 10:17, Philippians 3:4, Hebrews 13:9”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 54:2 cross-references: Exodus 35:18, Exodus 39:40, Isaiah 26:15, Isaiah 33:20, Isaiah 49:19, Jeremiah 10:20, Micah 7:11”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 55:7 cross-references: Genesis 6:5, Exodus 34:6, Numbers 14:18, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 2 Chronicles 15:2, 2 Chronicles 15:4, 2 Chronicles 30:6, 2 Chronicles 33:13, Job 22:23, Psalms 51:1, Psalms 66:18, Psalms 130:4, Psalms 130:7, Proverbs 28:13, Isaiah 1:16, Isaiah 21:12, Isaiah 32:7, Isaiah 40:2, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 44:22, Isaiah 54:10, Isaiah 59:7, Jeremiah 3:3, Jeremiah 3:12, Jeremiah 3:14, Jeremiah 4:14, Jeremiah 8:4, Lamentations 3:40, Ezekiel 3:18, Ezekiel 18:21, Ezekiel 18:27, Ezekiel 18:31, Ezekiel 18:32, Ezekiel 33:11, Ezekiel 33:14, Hosea 14:1, Jonah 3:10, Zechariah 8:17, Matthew”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Isaiah 55:3 cross-references: Genesis 17:7, Genesis 49:10, Exodus 15:26, Leviticus 18:5, 2 Samuel 7:8, 2 Samuel 7:29, 2 Samuel 23:5, 2 Chronicles 6:42, Psalms 78:1, Psalms 89:28, Psalms 89:29, Psalms 89:35, Psalms 119:112, Proverbs 4:20, Proverbs 7:2, Isaiah 54:8, Isaiah 61:8, Jeremiah 30:9, Jeremiah 32:40, Jeremiah 33:20, Jeremiah 33:26, Jeremiah 38:20, Jeremiah 50:5, Ezekiel 16:60, Ezekiel 34:25, Ezekiel 37:24, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 13:16, Matthew 17:5, John 5:24, John 6:37, John 6:44, John 7:37, John 8:47, John 10:27, Acts 13:34, Romans 10:5, Hebrews 13:20”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Isaiah 53:2: before him , that is, before the Lord,”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) on Isaiah 54:2: and let them stretch forth far off.”
- Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 55 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 55 As the two preceding chapters are prophecies of Christ and his church, this treats of his word and ordinances, and of the nature, use, and efficacy of them. It begins with an invitation of thirsty souls to them, Isa 55:1, an expostulation with them for taking wrong methods, and a dissuasive from them, Isa 55:2, which is followed with an exhortation to hear the word of Christ, attend on his ordinances; to which they are encouraged with promises of life and covenant blessings, Isa 55:2. Christ is prophesied of in his offices; and”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 57:21: 57:21 no peace: Cp. 57:2; see also 48:22.”