Isaiah 55:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 55:7
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 55 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, grace, judgment. 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 55:7
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Analysis
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. This verse specifies the response required to seeking God (v. 6): repentance. Two parallel commands address external behavior ("forsake his way," ya'azov...darko, יַעֲזֹב...דַּרְכּוֹ) and internal attitude ("forsake...thoughts," machshevotav, מַחְשְׁבֹתָיו). Both outward conduct and inward mindset must change. "Return" (veyashuv, וְיָשֻׁב) is the classic Hebrew term for repentance—turning back to God from wandering.
The dual promise motivates repentance: "he will have mercy" (viyerachamehu, וִירַחֲמֵהוּ) and "will abundantly pardon" (yarbeh lisloach, יַרְבֶּה לִסְלוֹחַ, literally "multiply to forgive"). Racham (רָחַם) means compassion; salach (סָלַח) means pardon/forgive. The abundance—"multiply to forgive"—emphasizes unlimited divine forgiveness. No sin is too great, no repetition too frequent for God's pardoning grace.
From a Reformed perspective, this verse presents both human responsibility (forsake, return) and divine initiative (mercy, pardon). True repentance involves both outward reformation and inward transformation—not merely behavior modification but renewed thinking (Romans 12:2). The abundant pardon grounds assurance—believers don't earn forgiveness by adequate repentance, but receive superabundant grace. This verse refutes both cheap grace (no repentance needed) and works-righteousness (repentance earns forgiveness).
Historical Context
The call to forsake wickedness and return addressed Israel's idolatry and covenant violations that led to exile. Prophets consistently called for repentance (Jeremiah 3:12-14, 18:11, Ezekiel 18:30-32). The return from exile required spiritual renewal, not merely physical relocation. Ezra 9-10 and Nehemiah 9 record post-exilic repentance movements.
The New Testament picks up this language: John the Baptist called for repentance (Matthew 3:2), as did Jesus (Mark 1:15) and the apostles (Acts 2:38, 3:19). Church history shows genuine revivals always involve repentance—Reformation confessions of sin, Wesley's holiness emphasis, modern awakenings. The abundant pardon becomes practically experienced when believers genuinely forsake wickedness and return to God, discovering His mercy exceeds their sin.
Reflection
- What specific ways and thoughts does God call you to forsake?
- How does 'abundantly pardon' address your fears about repeated sins or serious failures?
- What prevents you from returning to God—pride, shame, unbelief in His mercy?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Grace: Proverbs 28:13, Matthew 9:13
- References God: Luke 15:10
- References Lord: Acts 3:19
- Evil: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Jeremiah 4:14, Ezekiel 33:11, Jonah 3:10
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 43:25, 44:22