Discovery BoxIsaiah 20:3 
Context20:3 Later the Lord explained, “In the same way that my servant Isaiah has walked around in undergarments and barefoot for the past three years, as an object lesson and omen pertaining to Egypt and Cush,
Isaiah 55:11
Context55:11 In the same way, the promise that I make
does not return to me, having accomplished nothing. 1
No, it is realized as I desire
and is fulfilled as I intend.” 2
Isaiah 58:3
Context58:3 They lament, 3 ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?
Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’
Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, 4
you oppress your workers. 5
1 tn Heb “so is the word which goes out from my mouth, it does not return to empty.” “Word” refers here to divine promises, like the ones made just prior to and after this (see vv. 7b, 12-13).
2 tn Heb “but it accomplishes what I desire, and succeeds [on the mission] which I send it.”
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.
3 tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
4 tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”
5 tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.
