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.
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The Call to Justice and Obedience

1
Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. ​
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. ​

God Welcomes the Outsider

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. ​
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; ​
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. ​
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; ​
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. ​
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. ​

Judgment on Corrupt Shepherds

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All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. ​
10
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. ​
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. ​
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. ​

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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