The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading of Sexagesima, Isaiah 55:10–13, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.
III. Consolation in the power of the divine Word, what it will work in the repentant. (v. 10–13)
Annotations
10. For just as the rain and the snow fall from heaven and do not return from there, but rather water the earth (very richly), and make it fruitful and increase so that it gives seed to sow and bread to eat;
11. Thus shall the * Word, which proceeds from My mouth also be. It shall neither return to Me empty, but rather do what pleases Me, and shall succeed in that for which I sent it (shall nevertheless be effective at all times in the hearts of certain men).
* Acts 12:24 (1 Corinthians 2:4ff.)
12. For you shall set out in joy (from your spiritual captivity), and be led in peace (into your heavenly eternal Fatherland).1 The mountains and hills shall exult with glory before you, and all the trees in the field will clap with their hands (all creatures shall themselves, as it were, rejoice with you).
1 Hebrew: “be brought to this (to the Church of Christ as a gift of the Lord; see Isaiah 18:7).”
* Isaiah 44:23 (66:21ff.; Psalm 96:12; Psalm 98:8)
13. The fir will grow instead of the thornbushes, and the myrtle instead of the briars (the Gentiles, who were unfruitful, withered thornbushes and briars before their conversion shall be made fruitful through the Word of the Gospel and through the Holy Spirit for all good works); and it shall be a name and eternal sign for the Lord that shall never be eradicated (the call of the Gentiles and the salvation of the Church will bring redound to the eternal praise and glory of the divine name, and also be a mark of the power and saving truth of the Gospel).
(Isaiah 41:19; Matthew 16:18)
Useful Applications
III. DOCTRINE: Concerning the abundant power of the preached Word of God in the conversion and salvation of men. (v. 10–11) CONSOLATION: That God will not withdraw from His Church until the end of the world. (v. 13)
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 