About Isaiah

Isaiah proclaims both judgment and salvation, containing the most detailed messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.

Author: IsaiahWritten: c. 740-680 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 12
HolinessJudgmentSalvationMessiahServantRestoration

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Jerusalem(Settlement)

King James Version

Isaiah 56

12 verses with commentary

Salvation for Foreigners

1

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. judgment: or, equity

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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.
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.

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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.
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.

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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.
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;

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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.
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.

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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.
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;

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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.
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.

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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).
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. beside: Heb. to his gathered

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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.
9

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

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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.
10

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. sleeping: or, dreaming, or, talking in their sleep

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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.
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. greedy: Heb. strong of appetite can: Heb. know not to be satisfied

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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.
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.

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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.

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