Isaiah 56:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 56 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, covenant, 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 guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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