Isaiah 55:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 55:13
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 55 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, redemption, worship. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 55:13
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Analysis
Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. This verse promises reversal of the curse. Thorns (na'atsuts, נַעֲצוּץ) and briers (sirpad, סִרְפַּד) recall Genesis 3:18's curse on the ground. Fir tree (berosh, בְּרוֹשׁ, possibly cypress) and myrtle (hadas, הֲדַס) represent beauty, usefulness, and blessing. The transformation from cursed vegetation to valuable trees symbolizes comprehensive restoration.
The purpose: "it shall be to the LORD for a name"—creation itself becomes testimony to God's character. "Everlasting sign" (le'ot 'olam, לְאוֹת עוֹלָם) provides permanent memorial. "That shall not be cut off" (lo yikkaret, לֹא יִכָּרֵת) guarantees perpetuity. The restoration serves pedagogical purpose—witnessing to future generations of God's redemptive power and covenant faithfulness.
From a Reformed perspective, this prophesies new creation through Christ. Romans 8:20-21 describes creation's liberation from corruption. Revelation 22:3 promises, "there shall be no more curse"—the thorn-brier curse reversed. The everlasting sign points to Christ's eternal covenant (Hebrews 13:20). This verse teaches that redemption restores created order, removing the curse and establishing permanent testimony to God's gracious character.
Historical Context
The Genesis curse brought thorns, thistles, and toil (Genesis 3:17-19). Israel's unfaithfulness resulted in land becoming wasteland (Isaiah 5:6, 7:23-25, 32:13). The exile physically devastated the land; Isaiah promises not merely restoration but transformation—better than original state. Post-exilic prophets addressed land restoration (Haggai, Zechariah).
Yet complete fulfillment awaits Christ's return. Revelation 21-22 describes new heavens and new earth with no curse, where the tree of life provides perpetual healing. Church history shows partial fulfillments—transformed lives becoming testimonies, communities renewed through gospel—all pointing toward ultimate restoration when Christ makes all things new (Revelation 21:5). The everlasting sign assures that God's redemptive work is permanent, irreversible, and self-authenticating.
Reflection
- What 'thorns and briers' in your life need God's transforming into 'fir and myrtle'?
- How does your transformed life serve as 'a name' for the LORD and everlasting sign?
- How should the promise of curse-reversal affect your hope for creation's future?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 50:5
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 41:19, 43:21, 60:13, 60:21, Jeremiah 33:9, Romans 6:19