Isaiah 56:6

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Also the sons {H1121} of the stranger {H5236}, that join {H3867} themselves to the LORD {H3068}, to serve {H8334} him, and to love {H157} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, to be his servants {H5650}, every one that keepeth {H8104} the sabbath {H7676} from polluting {H2490} it, and taketh hold {H2388} of my covenant {H1285};

Complete Jewish Bible

"And the foreigners who join themselves to ADONAI to serve him, to love the name of ADONAI, and to be his workers, all who keep Shabbat and do not profane it, and hold fast to my covenant,

Berean Standard Bible

And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants— all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant—

American Standard Version

Also the foreigners that join themselves to Jehovah, to minister unto him, and to love the name of Jehovah, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it, and holdeth fast my covenant;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 56:6 unveils a radical prophetic vision of God's expansive redemptive plan, extending His covenant invitation and promised blessings beyond the traditional boundaries of ethnic Israel to include "the sons of the stranger," or foreigners. This verse meticulously outlines the conditions for their full inclusion: a voluntary and profound commitment to the Lord, evidenced by serving Him, loving His character and revealed will, diligently observing the Sabbath without profaning it, and actively embracing His covenant. It anticipates a future where true worship and belonging are defined not by lineage but by faithful adherence to God's revealed will, laying the foundational theological groundwork for a universally inclusive community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 56:6 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Isaiah, often referred to as "Third Isaiah" (chapters 56-66), which primarily addresses the post-exilic community returning to Judah. This section shifts from the grand promises of restoration and comfort found in "Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-55) to the practical realities and ethical challenges of living faithfully in the restored land. Specifically, chapter 56 begins with an urgent exhortation to uphold justice and righteousness, emphasizing that God's salvation is near for all who keep His covenant and observe the Sabbath (Isaiah 56:1-2). Immediately preceding verse 6, the prophet makes a groundbreaking declaration, explicitly including eunuchs—a group traditionally excluded from full participation in the assembly of the Lord according to Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 23:1)—promising them an "everlasting name" and a place within God's house (Isaiah 56:3-5). This radical inclusion of the marginalized within Israel sets the stage for the even broader, universal invitation extended to Gentiles in verse 6, demonstrating a consistent and progressive theme of God's expansive grace throughout the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 56 is the period following the Babylonian exile, likely during the Persian period (circa 539-332 BCE). The returned exiles faced the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, alongside the crucial need to re-establish their national and religious identity. During this era, there was a strong emphasis on maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the Israelite community, often leading to a cautious or even exclusive stance towards foreigners, as vividly illustrated by the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah (e.g., [Ezra 9-10](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9-10 - Intermarriage and Separation"); [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23-27 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Reforms Regarding Foreign Wives")). Against this backdrop of national and religious reconstruction, Isaiah's prophecy is profoundly revolutionary. It challenges the prevailing ethnocentric views by envisioning a future where non-Israelites who genuinely commit to Yahweh are fully integrated into the covenant community, participating in worship and receiving divine blessings. The Sabbath and the covenant were central pillars of Israelite identity, and the call for foreigners to observe them signifies a profound act of adoption and spiritual transformation, indicating a shift from a purely nationalistic to a more spiritual understanding of God's people.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Isaiah 56:6 is **Universal Inclusion** within God's covenant community. This verse powerfully articulates that God's redemptive plan is not limited by ethnicity or national origin, foreshadowing the [New Testament revelation](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - God Shows No Partiality") of God's impartiality and the inclusion of all nations into the church through Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One in Christ")). Another crucial theme is **Covenant Commitment**, highlighting that inclusion is conditional upon active and sincere devotion to the Lord. The "strangers" must "join themselves to the LORD," which involves serving Him, loving His name (His character and revealed will), and being His servants. This demonstrates that true belonging is rooted in a transformed heart and obedient life, not merely birthright. Furthermore, **Sabbath Observance** is presented as a significant marker of this commitment. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a foundational sign of the covenant between God and His people (e.g., [Exodus 31:13-17](/exodus/31-13-17 "Exodus 31:13-17 - The Sabbath as a Sign"); [Ezekiel 20:12](/ezekiel/20-12 "Ezekiel 20:12 - The Sabbath as a Sign")). For foreigners, keeping the Sabbath "from polluting it" was a visible and tangible demonstration of their full adoption of Yahweh as their God and their adherence to His ways. Finally, **Embracing the Covenant** by "taketh hold of my covenant" signifies a deep personal engagement with God's established relationship and His laws, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to active and enduring adherence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stranger (Hebrew, _nêkâr'_):** This term (H5236) refers to someone who is "foreign" or a "foreigner," often implying a non-Israelite or someone from a "heathen" background. In ancient Israel, such individuals were typically considered outside the direct covenant relationship and its associated privileges. Isaiah's use of "sons of the stranger" here is revolutionary, signifying that those once deemed outsiders are now explicitly invited into a relationship with Yahweh, transcending ethnic boundaries.
* **join (Hebrew, _lâvâh'_):** From a primitive root (H3867) meaning "to twine," this word implies "to unite" or "to remain." It conveys a strong sense of attachment, cleaving, or binding oneself to something or someone. When applied to joining oneself to the LORD, it denotes a voluntary, profound, and enduring commitment, suggesting a deep spiritual adhesion and loyalty rather than a casual or temporary association.
* **profane (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** This word (H2490) carries the sense of "to wound," "to dissolve," or "to violate." In a religious context, it specifically means "to desecrate," "to pollute," or "to make common" something that is holy or set apart. To "keep the sabbath from polluting it" means to guard its sacredness, to refrain from activities that would diminish its holy character, and to honor its intended purpose as a day of rest and worship dedicated to God.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut" (H1285), referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in two when making a compact, this term signifies a formal agreement, compact, or league. In biblical theology, it describes the binding relationship God establishes with His people, characterized by mutual obligations and promises. To "take hold of" God's covenant implies actively embracing its terms, living by its stipulations, and relying on its promises with firm resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also the sons of the stranger":** This opening phrase immediately signals the radical inclusivity of the prophecy. "Sons of the stranger" refers to non-Israelites, Gentiles, or foreigners, highlighting that God's redemptive scope extends beyond the ethnic boundaries of Abraham's descendants, challenging the prevailing ethnocentric perspectives of the time.
* **"that join themselves to the LORD":** This clause emphasizes the active, voluntary, and intentional commitment required for inclusion. It is not a passive inheritance but a deliberate act of allegiance, signifying a profound spiritual bond formed with Yahweh, the God of Israel, indicating a willing and conscious choice to align with Him.
* **"to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants":** These phrases elaborate on the comprehensive nature of this commitment. "To serve him" implies active ministry, worship, and obedient labor. "To love the name of the LORD" means to cherish His revealed character, His very essence, and all that He represents, demonstrating deep affection and loyalty to His person and His will. "To be his servants" reinforces the idea of devoted submission and obedience, echoing the posture of a loyal bondservant.
* **"every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it":** This specific command highlights the Sabbath as a crucial sign of covenant faithfulness. For foreigners, observing the Sabbath—a distinctive mark of Israel's covenant with God—was a powerful public declaration of their allegiance to Yahweh and their willingness to conform to His holy standards. "From polluting it" underscores the need for reverent and proper observance, safeguarding its sacredness.
* **"and taketh hold of my covenant;":** This final clause summarizes the comprehensive nature of the required commitment. To "take hold of" implies a firm grasp, a resolute adherence, and a steadfast loyalty to God's covenant. It signifies a deep personal engagement with all the terms, promises, and obligations of the divine agreement, demonstrating unwavering commitment.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 56:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. The most prominent is **Inclusion**, as the prophecy explicitly extends the blessings and responsibilities of the covenant to "the sons of the stranger," a group historically considered outside the direct covenant relationship. This radical expansion challenges the prevailing ethnocentric views of the time and powerfully foreshadows a universal scope for God's salvation. The verse also utilizes **Conditional Promise**, where the blessings of being God's servants and having a place in His house (as mentioned in the subsequent verses) are contingent upon specific acts of faithfulness: joining the Lord, serving Him, loving His name, keeping the Sabbath, and taking hold of His covenant. Furthermore, the phrase "love the name of the LORD" employs **Metonymy**, where "name" (Hebrew, _shêm_) stands for the entire character, reputation, authority, and revealed nature of God. To love His name is to love His very being and all that He has revealed Himself to be, rather than merely a linguistic label. The repetition of "servants" (in "to serve him" and "to be his servants") functions as **Emphasis**, reinforcing the theme of dedicated submission and devoted action required of those who join the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 56:6 is a pivotal passage in understanding the trajectory of God's redemptive plan, revealing His heart for all humanity long before its full manifestation in the New Testament. It dismantles the notion that God's covenant love is solely for one ethnic group, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and His desire for all peoples to enter into a saving relationship with Him. The conditions outlined—serving, loving, keeping, and holding fast—underscore that genuine faith involves active obedience and a transformed heart, not merely outward association. This prophecy anticipates the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, emphasizing that true spiritual kinship is forged through devotion to Yahweh and adherence to His ways, rather than through lineage. It highlights that God's house is destined to be a "house of prayer for all peoples" (Isaiah 56:7), a vision of inclusive worship and fellowship that finds its ultimate expression in the global church.

* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")
* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 56:6 offers profound and enduring truths for believers today, challenging us to embrace a radically inclusive vision of God's kingdom. It reminds us that God's invitation to salvation and fellowship is extended to all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, past mistakes, or social status. Our call, like that of the "sons of the stranger," is to respond with a wholehearted, active commitment: to join ourselves to the Lord, to serve Him with our lives, to love His character and His revealed will, and to steadfastly hold fast to His covenant. This involves a daily walk of obedience, a commitment to worship, and a life that reflects His holiness and purposes. Furthermore, this verse compels the church to be a welcoming and missional community, mirroring God's own inclusive heart, actively reaching out to and embracing all who genuinely turn to the Lord. It urges us to ensure that our spiritual house is indeed a place of prayer and belonging for all peoples, fostering an environment where every sincere seeker can find a home in God's family and participate fully in His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my faith community, inadvertently create barriers that limit God's inclusive vision for His people?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "join myself to the LORD" and "take hold of His covenant" in my daily life?**
* **How can my actions demonstrate a genuine love for "the name of the LORD" and a commitment to serving Him?**
* **Considering the Sabbath's significance in this verse, how can I honor principles of rest, worship, and devotion to God in my contemporary context?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean Gentiles in the Old Testament had to become Jews?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a purely ethnic or nationalistic sense, but it certainly implies a profound spiritual and behavioral assimilation into the worship and ethical life of Israel. For "the sons of the stranger" to "join themselves to the LORD," "serve him," "love the name of the LORD," "keep the sabbath from polluting it," and "take hold of my covenant," they would have needed to adopt the God of Israel as their own and adhere to the core tenets of the Mosaic Law, particularly those related to worship and covenant fidelity. This often involved living within the community and participating in its religious life, effectively becoming proselytes or "God-fearers." The emphasis is on a sincere, internal commitment to Yahweh and His ways, rather than merely a change in ethnic identity. This foreshadows the New Covenant where spiritual identity in Christ transcends ethnic boundaries, as seen in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ").

**How does Sabbath keeping apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians are generally not bound by the literal observance of the Mosaic Sabbath law (e.g., [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadow of Things to Come")), the principle of Sabbath keeping in Isaiah 56:6 remains highly relevant. For the "stranger," observing the Sabbath was a tangible sign of their allegiance to Yahweh and their commitment to His covenant. For Christians, this translates into a commitment to regular, intentional rest, worship, and devotion to God. It involves setting aside time to honor God, to cease from our labors, and to refresh our souls in His presence. This can manifest in weekly corporate worship, personal times of spiritual renewal, and a rhythm of life that prioritizes God's sovereignty over endless striving. The spirit of the Sabbath encourages us to trust God's provision and to find our ultimate rest and identity in Him, a rest that is ultimately found in Christ (e.g., [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"); [Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

**What does it mean to 'love the name of the LORD'?**

Answer: To "love the name of the LORD" (Hebrew, _ʼâhab_ H157, _shêm_ H8034) is to love God's entire revealed character, His reputation, His authority, and His very being. In the ancient Near East, a "name" was not just a label but encapsulated the essence and identity of a person. Therefore, loving the name of the LORD means cherishing who God is as He has revealed Himself—His holiness, justice, mercy, faithfulness, and power. It implies a deep affection for His attributes, His commands, and His purposes. This love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through obedience, worship, and a desire to glorify Him in all aspects of life, as expressed in passages like [Psalm 119:97](/psalms/119-97 "Psalm 119:97 - Oh How I Love Your Law!"). It's a holistic love for God as He truly is.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 56:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's inclusive heart and establishes the new covenant that welcomes all peoples. The "sons of the stranger" are fully embraced in Christ, who, by His atoning sacrifice, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making "both one" and creating "one new man" (e.g., [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through faith in Him, foreigners are no longer "strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (e.g., [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Jesus himself is the "covenant for the people" (e.g., [Isaiah 42:6](/isaiah/42-6 "Isaiah 42:6 - A Covenant for the People")), and through His blood, the new covenant is inaugurated, making it possible for all who believe to "take hold of" it (e.g., [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"); [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")). The call to "serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants" is beautifully realized in discipleship to Christ, who teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (e.g., [Mark 12:30](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - The Greatest Commandment")) and to serve Him by serving others (e.g., [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least")). The principles of Sabbath keeping are fulfilled in Christ, who is Lord of the Sabbath (e.g., [Mark 2:28](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Lord of the Sabbath")) and offers true spiritual rest to all who are weary and burdened (e.g., [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Ultimately, Isaiah's vision of God's house being "a house of prayer for all peoples" (e.g., [Isaiah 56:7](/isaiah/56-7 "Isaiah 56:7 - My House Shall Be a House of Prayer for All Peoples")) is realized in the global church, gathered from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, united in worship of the Lamb (e.g., [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Great Multitude Before the Throne")), all made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 50:5

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, [saying], Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant [that] shall not be forgotten.

Isaiah 56:2

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.

Isaiah 56:4

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;

Isaiah 58:13

¶ If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words:

Isaiah 44:5

One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?