Isaiah56

The LORD commands righteousness and justice, for His salvation is near. He promises inclusion and an everlasting name in His house to eunuchs and strangers who keep His Sabbaths and covenant, declaring His house a place of prayer for all people. In stark contrast, the chapter condemns the nation's watchmen as blind, ignorant, greedy, and self-serving shepherds.

The Call to Justice and Obedience

1
Thus says the LORD, “Keep justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation [yeshuah-ti] is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. ​
2
Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” ​

God Welcomes the Outsider

3
Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, “The LORD will surely separate me from his people”; neither let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” ​
4
For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant: ​
5
to them I will give 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 shall not be cut off. ​
6
Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, and to love the LORD’s name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant; ​
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 on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” ​
8
The Lord GOD, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, “Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered.” ​

Judgment on Corrupt Shepherds

9
All you animals of the field, come to devour, all you animals in the forest. ​
10
His watchmen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can’t bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber. ​
11
Yes, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds who can’t understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to his gain, from every quarter. ​
12
“Come,” say they, “I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, great beyond measure.” ​

Study Notes for Isaiah 56

Verse 1

This verse sets the ethical foundation for the prophecy, linking active obedience ('judgment and justice') to the imminent fulfillment of God's promises ('salvation is near').

Verse 2

Sabbath observance is highlighted as a primary sign of covenant faithfulness, demonstrating both devotion to God and adherence to ethical restraint ('keepeth his hand from doing any evil').

Verse 3

This verse addresses two marginalized groups: the 'son of the stranger' (foreigner) and the 'eunuch.' Under Deuteronomic law (Deut 23:1), eunuchs were explicitly excluded from the assembly of the Lord, making their inclusion here a radical theological shift.

Verse 4

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Verse 5

God promises the eunuchs an 'everlasting name' within the community, overriding the traditional emphasis on physical posterity and legal exclusion due to childlessness.

Verse 6

The inclusion of foreigners is conditioned upon their willingness to 'join themselves to the LORD' and observe the covenant requirements, specifically the Sabbath.

Verse 7

This climactic declaration—'mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people'—is a pivotal statement of universalism and was quoted by Jesus when cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:17).

Verse 8

The Lord affirms that the gathering of the exiled Jews is only the beginning; His plan extends outward to gather 'others to him,' confirming the universal scope of the covenant community.

Verse 9

The sudden shift in tone summons 'beasts of the field' (likely symbolizing foreign invaders or agents of divine judgment) to devour the land, implying that the failure of the leaders has left the nation vulnerable.

Verse 10

The 'watchmen' (religious and political leaders) are sharply criticized. They are called 'dumb dogs'—a powerful metaphor indicating they are useless defenders who fail to warn the people of danger.

Verse 11

The critique focuses on the leaders' overwhelming self-interest and gluttony. Instead of caring for the flock, these 'shepherds' seek only personal gain, abandoning their prophetic and pastoral duties.

Verse 12

This verse depicts the hedonism and careless arrogance of the leaders, living only for immediate pleasure and refusing to acknowledge any accountability or coming judgment.

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