Isaiah 56 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, salvation.
Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people.
When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah
and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Salvation for Foreigners
1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgmentJudgment:מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat). The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice., and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Salvation:Isaiah 46:13, 51:5, Psalms 85:9. Judgment:Malachi 4:4. Righteousness:Isaiah 55:7, Romans 1:17. Parallel theme:Matthew 3:2, 4:17, Mark 1:15, John 7:17 +5
3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORDLord:יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty., speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
References Lord:Isaiah 14:1, Jeremiah 50:5, 1 Corinthians 6:17. Parallel theme:Isaiah 39:7, 56:5, Numbers 18:4, Acts 10:34, 17:4, Romans 15:16, Ephesians 2:22 +5
4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenantCovenant:בְּרִית (Berit). The Hebrew berit (בְּרִית) denotes a covenant—a binding agreement, often ratified by blood sacrifice. God's covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) structure redemptive history, culminating in the New Covenant.;
Covenant:Isaiah 55:3, 56:6, 2 Samuel 23:5, Jeremiah 50:5, Hebrews 6:17. References Lord:Joshua 24:15. Parallel theme:Isaiah 27:5, 56:2, Psalms 119:111, Luke 10:42 +5
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to loveLove:אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Covenant:Jeremiah 50:5. References Lord:Isaiah 44:5, 58:13, Revelation 1:10. Love:Galatians 5:6, James 2:5. Parallel theme:Acts 2:41 +2
8 The LordLord:יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
References Lord:Psalms 147:2, Jeremiah 31:10. References God:Isaiah 49:22, Psalms 106:47. Parallel theme:Isaiah 43:6, 49:12, 54:7, Genesis 49:10, John 10:16, Ephesians 1:10 +5
9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
Parallel theme:Jeremiah 12:9