Isaiah 56:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
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.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 56 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, wisdom, 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 56:3
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