Isaiah 55: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Isaiah 55 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

An invitation is given to everyone who thirsts, urging them to come to the waters and enjoy sustenance without cost (vv. 1-2). The speaker asks why people spend their resources on what does not satisfy.

Key verse

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways,” says Yahweh.”
Isaiah 55:8 (WEB)

Outline

Isaiah 55:1–2 Invitation to Abundant Life
Isaiah 55:3–5 Promise of an Everlasting Covenant
Isaiah 55:6–7 Call to Repentance and Mercy
Isaiah 55:8–9 God's Superior Thoughts and Ways
Isaiah 55:10–11 The Efficacy of God's Word
Isaiah 55:12–13 Joyful Restoration of Creation

Discussion questions

In v1, who is invited to 'the waters'?
What does God promise in v7 to the one who returns to him?
In vv. 8-9, how does God's 'thoughts' differ from human understanding?
In v11, what does it mean when God's word 'will not return to me void'?
When have you sought 'satisfaction' in something that did not fulfill you?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Isaiah 55: Jeremiah 29, Matthew 24, 2 Chronicles 7.

Before next time: read Isaiah 56.