Isaiah 56
12 verses
This chapter marks the transition to the final section of Isaiah (chapters 56-66), emphasizing the importance of justice and keeping the sabbath as the foundations of covenant faithfulness. The oracle promises that the eunuchs and foreigners who keep the sabbath will be given a place in God's house and will be blessed, establishing that covenant inclusion is based on faithfulness rather than ethnic identity. The passage criticizes the leaders (shepherds) who are described as silent dogs that cannot bark and as greedy and without understanding, establishing prophetic critique of spiritual leadership. The oracle promises that the Lord will gather the outcasts of Israel and many others besides those already gathered, establishing universal inclusivity in the eschatological community. Isaiah 56 demonstrates that authentic covenant community is characterized by justice, sabbath-keeping, and openness to the stranger and marginalized. The chapter establishes that the criteria for covenant inclusion are transformed in the eschatological age and that God's purposes extend beyond Israel to encompass all who are faithful to divine requirements.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
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;
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
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;
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
9
All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
0 0Open verse page →
10
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
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.
0 0Open verse page →
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
No notes on this chapter yet. Be the first to write one!