Yesaya 55:11

55:11 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 

Yesaya 19:13

19:13 The officials of Zoan are fools,

the officials of Memphis ³  are misled;

the rulers ⁴  of her tribes lead Egypt astray.

[55:11]  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).

[55:11]  ² tn Heb “but it accomplishes what I desire, and succeeds [on the mission] which I send it.”

[55:11]  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.

[19:13]  ³ tn Heb “Noph” (so KJV); most recent English versions substitute the more familiar “Memphis.”

[19:13]  ⁴ tn Heb “the cornerstone.” The singular form should be emended to a plural.