The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
The Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} which gathereth {H6908} the outcasts {H1760} of Israel {H3478} saith {H5002}, Yet will I gather {H6908} others to him, beside those that are gathered {H6908} unto him.
Adonai ELOHIM says, he who gathers Isra'el's exiles: "There are yet others I will gather, besides those gathered already."
Thus declares the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered.”
The Lord Jehovah, who gathereth the outcasts of Israel, saith, Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own that are gathered.
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John 10:16
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. -
Isaiah 60:3
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. -
Isaiah 60:11
Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought. -
Isaiah 54:7
For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. -
Genesis 49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]. -
Ephesians 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him: -
Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
Context of Isaiah 56:8
Isaiah 56:8 is situated within the latter section of the Book of Isaiah (chapters 40-66), often referred to as "Third Isaiah." This part of the prophecy primarily addresses the post-exilic community, focusing on themes of restoration, spiritual renewal, and the expansion of God's kingdom. Specifically, Chapter 56 begins by emphasizing righteousness, justice, and the importance of keeping the Sabbath for all, including foreigners and eunuchs. This sets the stage for the radical inclusion announced in verse 8, challenging the narrow, ethnocentric views prevalent at the time and foreshadowing a broader, more universal scope for God's redemptive plan.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "outcasts" (Hebrew: niddachei) refers to those who are driven away, banished, or dispersed. It emphasizes the scattered and seemingly forgotten state of Israel from which God promises to gather them. The addition of "others" (Hebrew: 'od), meaning "still, yet, more," is crucial here. It explicitly indicates a distinct group beyond the already gathered Israelites, powerfully conveying the idea of additional people being brought into God's fold.
Related Scriptures
This prophecy finds profound fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Himself alludes to this broader gathering when He speaks of having "other sheep, which are not of this fold" whom He must also bring. The Apostle Paul extensively elaborates on this inclusion, explaining how Gentiles, once far off, are brought near by the blood of Christ, becoming "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." This aligns with earlier prophecies in Isaiah, such as Isaiah 2:2, which foretells that "all nations shall flow unto" the mountain of the Lord's house in the last days.
Practical Application
For believers today, Isaiah 56:8 is a powerful reminder of God's expansive grace and inclusive nature. It challenges any exclusive thinking and calls the church to embrace diversity, recognizing that God's family is composed of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This verse fuels the mission of the church, encouraging believers to participate in God's ongoing work of gathering all people to Himself. It affirms that no one is too far removed or too much of an "outcast" to be brought into His loving embrace.