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10 [a] The rain and snow fall from the sky
and do not return,
but instead water the earth
and make it produce and yield crops,
and provide seed for the planter and food for those who must eat.
11 In the same way, the promise that I make
does not return to me, having accomplished nothing.[b]
No, it is realized as I desire
and is fulfilled as I intend.”[c]
12 Indeed you will go out with joy;
you will be led along in peace;
the mountains and hills will give a joyful shout before you,
and all the trees in the field will clap their hands.
13 Evergreens will grow in place of thorn bushes,
firs will grow in place of nettles;
they will be a monument to the Lord,[d]
a permanent reminder that will remain.[e]

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 55:10 tn This verse begins in the Hebrew text with כִּי כַּאֲשֶׁר (ki kaʾasher, “for, just as”), which is completed by כֵּן (ken, “so, in the same way”) at the beginning of v. 11. For stylistic reasons, this lengthy sentence is divided up into separate sentences in the translation.
  2. Isaiah 55:11 tn Heb “so is the word which goes out from my mouth, it does not return to me empty.” “Word” refers here to divine promises, like the ones made just prior to and after this (see vv. 7b, 12-13).
  3. Isaiah 55:11 tn Heb “but it accomplishes what I desire, and succeeds in what I commission it with.”sn Verses 8-11 focus on the reliability of the divine word and support the promises before (vv. 3-5, 7b) and after (vv. 12-13) this. Israel can be certain that repentance will bring forgiveness and a new covenantal relationship because God’s promises are reliable. In contrast to human plans (or “thoughts”), which are destined to fail (Ps 94:11) apart from divine approval (Prov 19:21), and human deeds (or “ways”), which are evil and lead to destruction (Prov 1:15-19; 3:31-33; 4:19), God’s plans are realized, and his deeds accomplish something positive.
  4. Isaiah 55:13 tn Heb “to the Lord for a name.” For שֵׁם (shem) used in the sense of “monument,” see also 56:5, where it stands parallel to יָד (yad).
  5. Isaiah 55:13 tn Or, more literally, “a permanent sign that will not be cut off.”

10 As the rain(A) and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,(B)
    so that it yields seed(C) for the sower and bread for the eater,(D)
11 so is my word(E) that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,(F)
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose(G) for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy(H)
    and be led forth in peace;(I)
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song(J) before you,
and all the trees(K) of the field
    will clap their hands.(L)
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers(M) the myrtle(N) will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,(O)
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever.”

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