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Isaiah 56

World English Bible

WEB

1Yahweh says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed. 2Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” 3Let no foreigner who has joined himself to Yahweh speak, saying, “Yahweh will surely separate me from his people.” Do not let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” 4For Yahweh says, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, choose the things that please me, and hold fast to my covenant, 5I will give them in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of sons and of daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. 6Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh to serve him, and to love Yahweh’s name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant, 7I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” 8The Lord Yahweh, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, “I will yet gather others to him, in addition to his own who are gathered.” 9All you animals of the field, come to devour, all you animals in the forest. 10His watchmen are blind. They are all without knowledge. They are all mute dogs. They can’t bark— dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. 11Yes, the dogs are greedy. They can never have enough. They are shepherds who can’t understand. They have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. 12“Come,” they say, “I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow will be as today, great beyond measure.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Isaiah Chapter 56 presents a powerful message of inclusion and hope, emphasizing God's desire for all people to come to Him, regardless of their background. The chapter begins with a call to maintain justice and righteousness, as it states, "Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed" (Isaiah 56:1, ESV). This sets the tone for the chapter, highlighting the importance of living according to God's standards as a response to His impending salvation. The text reassures the faithful that their efforts will not go unnoticed, and they will be blessed by God for their obedience.

The chapter further expands on God's welcoming nature by addressing the eunuchs and foreigners, who were often marginalized in society. God promises that those who keep His Sabbaths and hold fast to His covenant will be given a place in His house, stating, "For thus says the Lord: To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters" (Isaiah 56:4-5, ESV). This profound declaration emphasizes that God's love and salvation are available to all who seek Him, breaking down barriers and inviting everyone into His family.

The chapter concludes with a warning against the watchmen of Israel, who have failed to fulfill their responsibilities. They are described as blind and ignorant, unable to lead the people toward righteousness. This serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for vigilance in guiding others toward God's truth. Overall, Isaiah 56 encapsulates the essence of God's inclusive love and the call for all to respond to His grace, making it a significant chapter in the prophetic message of hope and redemption. #Isaiah #Inclusion #Salvation #Justice #Righteousness

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Referenced by

  1. 1 Kings 8:41-43v6Solomon prays for foreigners who come to the Temple, which aligns with Isaiah's vision of the Temple as a house of prayer for all nations.
  2. 2 Chronicles 6:32-33v6Solomon's prayer for foreigners in 2 Chronicles 6:32-33, that they may know God's name, is echoed in Isaiah 56:6-7, where God promises to accept the offerings of foreigners who join themselves to the Lord.
  3. Psalms 65:2v7Psalm 65:2 acknowledges God as the one who hears prayer, which is echoed in Isaiah 56:7 where God promises that His house will be a house of prayer for all nations.
  4. Ezekiel 20:40v7Ezekiel 20:40 speaks of worship on God's holy mountain, which is echoed in Isaiah 56:7, where God's house is called a house of prayer for all nations.
  5. Ezekiel 47:22v6Ezekiel 47:22 includes foreigners in the inheritance of the land, which aligns with Isaiah 56:6-7 where God promises to bring foreigners to His holy mountain and make them joyful in His house of prayer, indicating the inclusivity of God's salvation.
  6. Matthew 21:12-13v7Jesus' cleansing of the temple in Matthew 21:12-13 references Isaiah 56:7, which speaks of the temple as a house of prayer, and Jeremiah 7:11, which condemns turning it into a den of robbers. This act underscores Jesus' authority and the call to true worship.
  7. Mark 11:17v7Jesus' declaration that the temple should be a 'house of prayer for all nations' in Mark 11:17 directly quotes Isaiah 56:7, emphasizing God's intention for inclusivity and worship.
  8. Luke 19:46v7In Luke 19:46, Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:7, declaring the temple a house of prayer, highlighting the intended purpose of the temple and condemning its misuse.
  9. Revelation 3:12v5Revelation 3:12 promises that the overcomer will be made a pillar in the temple of God and will have God's name written on them. Isaiah 56:5 speaks of giving a name better than sons and daughters, an everlasting name, to those who hold fast to God's covenant.

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