Isaiah 55:13

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree. "The thorn" - emblem of the wicked (2 Samuel 23:6; Micah 7:4).

Fir tree - the godly (Isaiah 60:13; Psalms 92:12). Compare as to the change worked, Romans 6:19.

Instead of the brier - emblem of uncultivation (Isaiah 5:6).

The myrtle - Hebrew, hªdac (H1918), whence comes Hªdacaah (H1919), the original name of Esther (Esther 2:7). A type of the Christian Church; because it is a lowly, though beautiful, fragrant, and evergreen shrub (Psalms 92:13).

It shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign - a perpetual memorial to the glory of Yahweh (Jeremiah 13:11; Jeremiah 33:9).

Remarks: The universal comprehensiveness of the invitation which the Gospel gives constitutes at once its glory and our responsibility. None hereafter can say that provision was not made whereby he might have been saved The Father the Son, and the Spirit invite art with gracious earnestness - "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." Yea, not only are we invited to the elementary necessaries of spiritual life, but to the "wine and milk" of its comforts and joys. And all are to be had "without money and without price." Yet, though "without money," he who would have the Gospel blessings must "buy" them. Christ alone has paid the "price" required for them, even His own precious blood. But we must appropriate them at the cost of ceasing to 'spend our labour for that which satisfieth not.' It is by no more hearing the tempter, and by henceforth 'hearkening diligently' unto the Saviour, we shall 'eat that which is good,' and our 'soul shall delight itself in fatness.' Moreover, these blessings are as permanent as they are delightful and satisfying. For God makes with His people an "everlasting covenant."