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.
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. This urgent invitation—"Ho" (hoy, הוֹי)—calls universal attention. The address to "every one that thirsteth" includes all who recognize spiritual need. Water, wine, and milk symbolize life-sustaining resources, here representing spiritual sustenance (salvation, wisdom, God's word). The paradox "buy...without money and without price" emphasizes grace—what's infinitely valuable is freely offered.
The dual mention "without money and without price" intensifies gratuity. Kesef (כֶּסֶף, money/silver) and mechir (מְחִיר, price/cost) are synonyms reinforcing that salvation cannot be purchased—it's gift, not commodity. Yet the verb "buy" (shivru, שִׁבְרוּ) suggests acquisition, responding, receiving. The invitation requires action (come, buy, eat) while offering free provision, holding together divine grace and human responsibility.
From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the gospel offer: salvation is free yet requires response. Christ invites, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37). Revelation 22:17 echoes this: "let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." The chapter grounds assurance not in ability to pay but in God's free offer. This verse refutes works-righteousness while calling for faith-response to grace.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern markets involved buying and selling; Isaiah's paradox would jar hearers. Water sellers in Jerusalem cried out inviting customers (John 7:37 reflects this practice during Feast of Tabernacles). Wine and milk represented abundance and prosperity (Joel 3:18, Isaiah 7:21-22). Offering these free was economically absurd, highlighting grace's scandal.
This invitation addressed post-exilic returnees who were economically impoverished but spiritually needy. It extends to all ages—the early church offered salvation freely (Acts 8:20—"thy money perish with thee"). The Reformation's recovery of sola gratia (grace alone) opposed medieval indulgence sales, returning to Isaiah's principle: salvation is free gift. Contemporary prosperity gospels that commodify blessing contradict this foundational truth.
Questions for Reflection
What spiritual thirst drives you to Christ's free provision?
How does 'buying without price' challenge your attempts to earn God's favor?
What prevents you from accepting God's free offer—pride, self-sufficiency, or misconception?
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Analysis & Commentary
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. This urgent invitation—"Ho" (hoy, הוֹי)—calls universal attention. The address to "every one that thirsteth" includes all who recognize spiritual need. Water, wine, and milk symbolize life-sustaining resources, here representing spiritual sustenance (salvation, wisdom, God's word). The paradox "buy...without money and without price" emphasizes grace—what's infinitely valuable is freely offered.
The dual mention "without money and without price" intensifies gratuity. Kesef (כֶּסֶף, money/silver) and mechir (מְחִיר, price/cost) are synonyms reinforcing that salvation cannot be purchased—it's gift, not commodity. Yet the verb "buy" (shivru, שִׁבְרוּ) suggests acquisition, responding, receiving. The invitation requires action (come, buy, eat) while offering free provision, holding together divine grace and human responsibility.
From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the gospel offer: salvation is free yet requires response. Christ invites, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink" (John 7:37). Revelation 22:17 echoes this: "let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." The chapter grounds assurance not in ability to pay but in God's free offer. This verse refutes works-righteousness while calling for faith-response to grace.