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;
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};
"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,
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—
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;
-
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?
Isaiah 56:6 speaks to a radical and inclusive vision of God's people, extending His invitation and blessings beyond the traditional boundaries of ethnic Israel to include "the sons of the stranger," or foreigners.
Context
This prophecy in Isaiah comes after sections dealing with judgment and restoration for Israel, and it begins to broaden the scope of God's redemptive plan. Chapters 56-66 emphasize a future where righteousness is upheld and salvation is offered to all who genuinely seek the Lord, regardless of their background. Earlier in Isaiah 56, even eunuchs, a group often excluded from temple worship, are promised a place and a name better than sons and daughters (Isaiah 56:5). This sets the stage for the even broader inclusion of Gentiles, highlighting God's boundless grace and impartial love.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "sons of the stranger" (Hebrew: b'nei nekhar) clearly refers to foreigners or non-Israelites. The verb "join themselves" (Hebrew: nilvu) implies a strong attachment, a cleaving or uniting with. It suggests a voluntary and profound commitment to the Lord, not just a casual association. "To love the name of the LORD" means to love His very essence, His revealed character, and all that He represents. This isn't just about knowing His name but cherishing His being and His ways.
Practical Application
Isaiah 56:6 offers timeless truths for believers today. It underscores that God's grace and salvation are available to all people, regardless of their ethnic, social, or historical background, who genuinely seek Him. For Christians, this means embracing the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Our commitment is demonstrated through serving Him, loving His character, and living according to His will, which includes principles of rest, worship, and obedience, echoing the spirit of Sabbath keeping. This verse encourages us to welcome all who sincerely turn to the Lord into the community of faith, reflecting God's own inclusive heart.