Isaiah 55:12

"so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me void, but it will accomplish that which I please, and it will prosper in the thing I sent it to do."

Key Reflection

In Isaiah 55:12, God emphasizes the reliability and effectiveness of his word through this metaphorical statement. The original audience would have understood this in a context where divine promises often seemed unfulfilled due to human disobedience and skepticism. For them, God's declaration that his word will not return void but accomplish its intended purpose would have been a powerful reassurance, reinforcing the belief that despite current setbacks, God’s plans and promises remain steadfast and sure.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

For ye shall go out with joy -This language is that which is properly applicable to the exiles in Babylon, but there can be no doubt that the prophet looks also to the future happier times of the Messiah (compare the notes atIsaiah 52:7). The mountains and the hills -Language like this is common in Isaiah, where all nature is called on to rejoice, or where inanimate objects are represented as expressing their sympathy with the joy of the people of God (see the note atIsaiah 14:8;Isaiah 35:1-2,Isaiah 35:10;Isaiah 42:10-11;Isaiah 44:23). Indeed, this imagery is common in all poetry.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 55

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