Isaiah 56
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 56
1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
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 covenant;
5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye 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.
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 56 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, covenant, redemption. 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.
Verse Study
Isaiah 56:1
1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
Analysis
God commands: 'Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.' The Hebrew 'mishpat' (judgment) and 'tsedaqah' (justice/righteousness) are covenant requirements. Yet the motivation is not earning salvation but responding to it: salvation is 'near to come' - divine initiative precedes human response.
Historical Context
This begins the final section of Isaiah (56-66) addressing life in the restored community. Ethical requirements accompany promised restoration, showing that salvation produces righteousness rather than the reverse.
Reflection
- How does knowing salvation is coming motivate righteous living?
- What is the relationship between God's initiative and human ethical response?
Word Studies
- Judgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat) H4941 - Judgment, justice
Cross-References
- 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
Isaiah 56:2
2 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Analysis
Blessing comes to the one who 'doeth this' - keeping sabbath and keeping hands from evil. The Hebrew 'chazeq' (holds fast) suggests determined commitment. Sabbath-keeping becomes a test case for covenant loyalty, representing trust in God's provision rather than anxious self-reliance.
Historical Context
Sabbath observance was intensified during and after exile as a distinctive identity marker. It symbolized trust in God and separation from pagan cultures that knew no sabbath.
Reflection
- How does sabbath-keeping express trust in God's provision?
- What does 'holding fast' to covenant commitments look like in your life?
Cross-References
- Blessing: Psalms 106:3, 112:1, Luke 11:28
- Evil: Psalms 119:101, Proverbs 16:17
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 58:13, Exodus 20:10, Ezekiel 20:12, 20:20, John 13:17
Isaiah 56:3
3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
Analysis
God addresses two marginalized groups: 'the son of the stranger' (foreigner joined to Israel) and 'the eunuch' (castrated male excluded from assembly per Deuteronomy 23:1). Both feared exclusion: 'The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people' or 'I am a dry tree' (unable to have descendants). Grace overcomes these barriers.
Historical Context
Eunuchs often served in royal courts (see Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8). Foreigners wondered if they could truly belong. Isaiah's message radically includes those Mosaic law seemed to exclude.
Reflection
- Who today might feel excluded from God's people but whom God desires to include?
- How does the gospel overcome barriers that make people feel they cannot belong?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- 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
Isaiah 56:4
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 covenant;
Analysis
To eunuchs who keep sabbaths and choose what pleases God, holding fast to His covenant, God promises inclusion. The conditions - sabbath-keeping, choosing God's pleasure, covenant-holding - are matters of heart and will, not physical capability. Character trumps physical condition.
Historical Context
This reverses Deuteronomy 23:1's exclusion of those with damaged genitals from the assembly. What was prohibited under the old administration becomes possible under grace.
Reflection
- How does God's acceptance based on heart condition rather than physical status encourage you?
- What does it mean to 'choose the things that please' God?
Word Studies
- Covenant: בְּרִית (Berit) H1285 - Covenant, treaty
Cross-References
- 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
Isaiah 56:5
5 Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
Analysis
God promises faithful eunuchs 'a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.' The Hebrew 'yad' (hand/memorial) and 'shem' (name) constitute a permanent legacy. The 'dry tree' receives eternal fruit - legacy in God's house surpasses biological descendants.
Historical Context
In a culture where name perpetuation through children was paramount, this promise offers something greater: eternal memorial in God's presence. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion (Acts 8) begins fulfillment.
Reflection
- How does eternal legacy in God's house compare to biological legacy?
- What comfort does this offer those who cannot have or have lost children?
Cross-References
- Eternal Life: Isaiah 55:13
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 26:1, 48:19, 60:18, 62:12, John 1:12, 1 Timothy 3:15
Isaiah 56:6
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Analysis
Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD 'to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants' are welcomed. The threefold description - serving, loving, being servants - emphasizes genuine devotion. Sabbath-keeping and covenant-holding again mark true faith.
Historical Context
This anticipates Gentile inclusion in the people of God, later explicitly fulfilled in the New Testament church. The barriers between Jew and Gentile are broken down in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22).
Reflection
- What marks genuine joining to the LORD versus mere association?
- How does this passage prepare for the New Testament inclusion of Gentiles?
Word Studies
- Love: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed) H157 - Love / Loyal-love
Cross-References
- 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
Isaiah 56:7
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Analysis
God promises to bring foreigners to His holy mountain and make them joyful in His 'house of prayer.' Their offerings and sacrifices are accepted on God's altar. The stunning declaration: 'for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.' Jesus quotes this when cleansing the temple (Mark 11:17).
Historical Context
The temple, often viewed as exclusively Jewish, is declared a house for all nations. This universal vision exceeded most Jewish expectations and was partially fulfilled in the court of the Gentiles.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's use of this verse inform your understanding of the church's mission?
- What barriers to 'all people' accessing God's house still exist today?
Word Studies
- Sacrifice: זֶבַח (Zevach) H2077 - Sacrifice, offering
Cross-References
- Prayer: Matthew 21:13, Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46
- Sacrifice: Malachi 1:11, Hebrews 13:15
- Holy: Psalms 2:6, Zechariah 8:3, Romans 12:1, 1 Timothy 2:8
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 12:22
Isaiah 56:8
8 The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
Analysis
The Lord GOD who 'gathereth the outcasts of Israel' declares He 'will gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.' The Hebrew 'qabats' (gather) describes God actively assembling His scattered people. The 'others' added to Israel anticipates Gentile inclusion in salvation.
Historical Context
This looks beyond the physical return from Babylon to a greater ingathering. Jesus references this concept when speaking of 'other sheep' He must bring (John 10:16).
Reflection
- How does God's ongoing gathering of 'others' shape your view of evangelism?
- Who are the 'outcasts' God is gathering today?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- 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
Isaiah 56:9
9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
Analysis
A sudden shift: 'All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.' This call to predators symbolizes judgment on unfaithful leaders (verses 10-12). Wild animals invading represents the breakdown of protection when shepherds fail. The contrast with inclusion (verses 1-8) is stark.
Historical Context
This may allude to Babylon's invasion or general judgment on covenant unfaithfulness. When spiritual leaders fail, destruction follows. The imagery recalls curses for covenant violation.
Reflection
- What happens when spiritual leadership fails to protect God's people?
- How does the contrast between inclusion (verses 1-8) and judgment (verses 9-12) relate?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 12:9
Isaiah 56:10
10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Analysis
Israel's watchmen are indicted: they are 'blind' (unable to see threats), 'ignorant' (lacking knowledge), 'dumb dogs, they cannot bark' (failing to warn). They are 'sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.' These shepherds who should alert and protect instead sleep and ignore danger.
Historical Context
Prophets and priests were Israel's watchmen. This indictment describes leaders in Isaiah's day who failed their warning function, allowing judgment to approach unannounced.
Reflection
- What are the consequences when spiritual leaders fail to warn of danger?
- How do you evaluate whether spiritual leaders are truly watching and warning?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 29:10, 52:8, 58:1, Ezekiel 13:16, 33:6, Hosea 4:6
Isaiah 56:11
11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Analysis
These failed leaders are 'greedy dogs which can never have enough.' The Hebrew 'nephesh' (soul/appetite) is never satisfied - they exemplify insatiable appetite. They are 'shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain.' Self-interest replaces sacrificial service.
Historical Context
This echoes Ezekiel 34's indictment of shepherds who feed themselves rather than the flock. Such leadership provokes God to become Shepherd Himself - fulfilled in Christ.
Reflection
- What does greedy, self-interested leadership look like today?
- How does this contrast with Christ's model of shepherding?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 1:3, 57:17, Ezekiel 13:19, Micah 3:11, John 8:43, Acts 20:29
Isaiah 56:12
12 Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Analysis
The final indictment quotes the leaders: 'Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.' Indulgence today, assumed prosperity tomorrow - this denial of coming judgment epitomizes false security.
Historical Context
This attitude persisted until Babylon's destruction. Leaders assured people all was well while disaster approached. Such false prophets always say 'peace' when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).
Reflection
- How do you recognize the false security of 'tomorrow will be like today'?
- What does it look like to live with appropriate urgency about spiritual realities?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 5:22, Psalms 10:6, Proverbs 23:35, 27:1, Jeremiah 18:18, Hosea 4:11