Isaiah 55

Living Water

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 55:1–2

The Lord invites the spiritually thirsty and hungry to receive what truly satisfies, for free. Jesus fulfilled this image when He cried, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink,' and Jacob repeated the invitation to come to the Holy One of Israel.

• quoted by 2 Nephi 9:50-51 — Jacob: come, buy wine and milk without money and without price; feast on that which perisheth not.
• alluded to by John 7:37 — 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.'
• alluded to by Revelation 22:17 — Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 26:25 — Come unto me and buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

Son of David (Sure Mercies of David)

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Isaiah 55:3

God promised David an eternal throne through his descendant. Paul teaches that these 'sure mercies' were fulfilled when God raised Jesus, the Son of David, from the dead to reign forever.

• quoted by Acts 13:34 — Paul quotes 'the sure mercies of David' as proof of Christ's Resurrection.
• alludes to 2 Samuel 7:16 — The promise of an everlasting throne for David's house.

Messiah (Witness, Leader and Commander)

Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Isaiah 55:4

'Him' is the promised king from David's line. Christ is the faithful witness of the Father and the leader of all who follow Him.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alluded to by Revelation 1:5 — Jesus Christ, 'the faithful witness ... the prince of the kings of the earth.'

Holy One of Israel

Holy One of Israel — the perfectly holy God who belongs to His covenant people

Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Isaiah 55:5

Nations who did not know Israel will run to her because of the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified her. The gospel of Christ draws people from every nation.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 60:9 — Nearly the same words: 'to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.'

Jehovah

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Isaiah 55:6–7

The LORD is near and ready to forgive abundantly anyone who turns back to Him. This mercy is offered through the Redeemer.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

Jehovah

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8–9

Jehovah reminds us His ways are as far above ours as the heavens are above the earth, which is why His pardon is greater than we would expect.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)