Read Isaiah 55:1-5

The writer addresses the exiles in Babylon. Compare Isaiah 55:1 with Proverbs 9:1-6 and Luke 22:28-29. What is the common theme of these passages? Who is the “host” of each? God invites Israel to a great feast at which both food and drink are free.  Compare v. 1 with v. 2a. How does the tone of v. 2a differ from that of v. 1? What is the contrast the writer intends to make?  In v. 2b, we find images of food, but the images are not literal. What do you think the food images represent? God also promises to make an everlasting covenant with all the people, with promises that previously had been limited to the line of kings. As David was a witness to the nations, these nations shall now acknowledge the ways in which God has glorified Israel. Read 2 Samuel 7:4-17. What is the main point of the passage?

Prayer for the week

Gracious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance.  Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.