Isaiah 56
Isaiah 56 introduces God’s invitation to all people, both Jews and foreigners, to live according to His ways. The chapter emphasizes justice, righteousness, and inclusion of the Gentiles who commit to God’s covenant. It also addresses the leaders of Israel, rebuking their negligence. The passage offers hope for a future where God’s house is open to all who seek Him.
Isaiah 56:1 (NKJV)
1 Thus says the Lord: "Keep justice, and do righteousness, For My salvation is about to come, And My righteousness to be revealed."
God commands His people to practice justice and righteousness, preparing them for the coming of His salvation. This indicates that God’s deliverance is near, and His righteousness will soon be evident. It also encourages faithful living in anticipation of His intervention.
Isaiah 56:2 (NKJV)
2 Blessed is the man who does this, And the son of man who lays hold on it; Who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
God promises blessings for those who hold fast to righteousness, particularly those who honor the Sabbath and avoid evil. The Sabbath observance symbolizes devotion to God’s covenant, and refraining from evil actions reflects the pursuit of holiness in daily life.
Isaiah 56:3-5 (NKJV)
3 Do not let the son of the foreigner Who has joined himself to the Lord Speak, saying, "The Lord has utterly separated me from His people"; Nor let the eunuch say, "Here I am, a dry tree."
4 For thus says the Lord: "To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant,
5 Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off."
God reassures both foreigners and eunuchs, two groups often marginalized, that they are not excluded from His blessings. If they keep His covenant and honor the Sabbath, they will receive a special place in His house and an everlasting name, signifying inclusion in God’s family and eternal recognition.
Isaiah 56:6-7 (NKJV)
6 "Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, And to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants—Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant—
7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
God extends His promise to all foreigners who commit to His covenant and serve Him faithfully. They will be welcomed into His presence and their offerings accepted. The “house of prayer for all nations” emphasizes the inclusiveness of God’s plan, where His blessings are not limited to Israel but available to all who seek Him.
Isaiah 56:8 (NKJV)
8 The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, "Yet I will gather to him Others besides those who are gathered to him."
God declares His intention to gather not only the outcasts of Israel but also others from outside, further confirming that His plan of salvation extends beyond Israel to include people from all nations.
Isaiah 56:9-10 (NKJV)
9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour, All you beasts in the forest.
10 His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
God shifts focus to the leaders of Israel, who are metaphorically described as blind watchmen and lazy dogs. These leaders, entrusted with the responsibility to guide and protect the people, have failed. Their neglect opens the way for destruction, symbolized by the call to the beasts to come and devour.
Isaiah 56:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory.
12 "Come," one says, "I will bring wine, And we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; Tomorrow will be as today, And much more abundant."
The leaders are further condemned for their greed and self-indulgence. Instead of caring for the people, they are preoccupied with their own gain and pleasures. They are complacent, assuming that tomorrow will be just as comfortable, ignoring the impending consequences of their neglect.