Isaiah 56:1

Isaiah 56:1 serves as a powerful call to ethical living, linking human responsibility directly to the imminence of God's divine intervention and revelation.

Context

This verse opens the final section of the book of Isaiah (chapters 56-66), often referred to as "Third Isaiah." Written in the post-exilic period, likely after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, this section addresses the challenges and hopes of the restored community in Judah. It deals with issues of inclusion (especially for eunuchs and foreigners, discussed later in the chapter), proper worship, and the moral failings of the leadership and people. Isaiah 56:1 sets an urgent tone, emphasizing that while God's promised salvation is drawing near, it requires a corresponding commitment to righteous living from His people. It bridges the grand promises of restoration with the practical demands of covenant faithfulness.

Key Themes

• Ethical Imperative: The primary command is to "keep ye judgment, and do justice." This highlights that God's people are not merely to await His deliverance passively but are actively called to live by His moral standards. This ethical conduct is foundational to their identity and their participation in the coming blessings.
• Imminent Divine Action: The phrase "my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed" underscores God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promised intervention. This imminent arrival serves as the powerful motivation for the preceding commands. It's a reminder that God is actively working in history to bring about His purposes.
• Intertwined Salvation and Righteousness: For Isaiah, God's "salvation" (yeshu'ah) is not just deliverance from enemies, but a comprehensive act that involves setting things right. It is inextricably linked with His "righteousness" (tzedakah) being revealed, demonstrating His just character and His power to establish justice on the earth. Isaiah 51:5 also speaks of God's righteousness and salvation being near.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are significant:

• "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט - mishpat): This term refers to justice, legal right, or proper order. It encompasses the act of judging, administering justice, and upholding what is right and fair in society and before God. It implies adherence to divine law and righteous decrees.
• "Justice" (צְדָקָה - tzedakah): Often translated as "righteousness," this word signifies doing what is right, fair, and equitable, especially in one's dealings with others and particularly the vulnerable. It's a broad concept of moral integrity and social responsibility, often paired with mishpat to denote comprehensive ethical conduct. The prophet Micah also famously links doing justly with walking humbly with God in Micah 6:8.

Practical Application

Isaiah 56:1 offers timeless principles for believers today:

• Live Ethically While Awaiting God's Return: Just as the exiles awaited God's promised restoration, Christians today await the second coming of Christ and the full establishment of His kingdom. This verse reminds us that our hope should motivate us to live lives that reflect God's justice and righteousness in the present world.
• Embrace Social Responsibility: The call to "do justice" is not merely about personal piety but extends to active engagement in seeking fairness, equity, and care for the marginalized in our communities. It challenges us to reflect God's character in our interactions and societal structures.
• Actions Reflect Anticipation: Our commitment to righteous living is a testimony to our belief in God's faithfulness and the certainty of His ultimate victory. It shows that we are living in light of His coming salvation and the revelation of His perfect righteousness.