Isaiah 56
BSB1 This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed. 2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil." 3 Let no foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say, “The LORD will utterly exclude me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “I am but a dry tree." 4 For this is what the LORD says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, who choose what pleases Me and hold fast to My covenant— 5 I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. 6 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— 7 I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations." 8 Thus declares the Lord GOD, who gathers the dispersed of Israel: “I will gather to them still others besides those already gathered." 9 Come, all you beasts of the field; eat greedily, all you beasts of the forest. 10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. 11 Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: 12 “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!"
Study Notes — Isaiah 56
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 56
- Themes from Isaiah 56
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 56
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Isaiah 56 begins by calling the people to keep the Sabbath and do what is right, promising that God will bless those who do (Isaiah 56:1-2). The chapter then addresses the concerns of eunuchs and foreigners, assuring them that they will have a place in God's house if they follow His commands (Isaiah 56:3-8). In contrast, the leaders of Israel are condemned for their idolatry and lack of faith (Isaiah 56:9-12). The chapter concludes with a warning to those who do not repent and a promise of salvation to those who do (Isaiah 56:9-12).
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 56 is part of the larger context of Isaiah 40-66, which emphasizes God's plan of salvation for all nations. The chapter is also connected to the historical context of the post-exilic period, when the Israelites were returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the temple. The emphasis on the Sabbath and the warning against idolatry reflect the concerns of this period, as the Israelites sought to re-establish their relationship with God.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives. Are we keeping the Sabbath and following God's commands? Are we guilty of idolatry, prioritizing other things above our relationship with God? Let us repent and turn to God, seeking to follow Him with all our hearts.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 56 is a call to repentance and faith, emphasizing God's desire for all nations to come to Him. The chapter highlights the importance of keeping the Sabbath and following God's commands, and warns against the dangers of idolatry. As we read this chapter, let us examine our own hearts and lives, and seek to follow God with all our hearts (Isaiah 56:1-2, 6).
Voices from the Church
“The Sabbath is a day of rest, but it is also a day of worship and communion with God. Let us keep it holy, and use it to draw near to our Lord.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Idolatry is a form of spiritual adultery, which separates us from God and leads to judgment. Let us beware of it, and seek to follow God with all our hearts.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Call to Keep the Sabbath (Isaiah 56:1-2) — The chapter begins by calling the people to keep the Sabbath and do what is right, promising that God will bless those who do.
- The Inclusion of Foreigners (Isaiah 56:3-8) — The chapter then addresses the concerns of eunuchs and foreigners, assuring them that they will have a place in God's house if they follow His commands.
- The Condemnation of Idolatry (Isaiah 56:9-12) — In contrast, the leaders of Israel are condemned for their idolatry and lack of faith.
- The Warning to the Wicked (Isaiah 56:9-12) — The chapter concludes with a warning to those who do not repent and a promise of salvation to those who do.
- The Promise of Salvation (Isaiah 56:1-12) — Throughout the chapter, God's desire to include all nations in His plan of salvation is emphasized, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience.
Core Doctrines
- The Sabbath
- The Sabbath is a sign of faith and obedience to God's commands, and is emphasized as a key aspect of following God (Isaiah 56:1-2, 6).
- The Inclusive Nature of God's Plan
- God's plan of salvation is inclusive, desiring to include all nations in His plan (Isaiah 56:3-8).
- Idolatry
- Idolatry is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery, which separates people from God and leads to judgment (Isaiah 56:9-12).
- Repentance and Faith
- Repentance and faith are emphasized as essential responses to God's call, and are seen as key aspects of following Him (Isaiah 56:1-12).
Lessons from Isaiah 56
- The Importance of the Sabbath — The Sabbath is a sign of faith and obedience to God's commands, and is emphasized as a key aspect of following God.
- The Inclusive Nature of God's Plan — God's plan of salvation is inclusive, desiring to include all nations in His plan.
- The Danger of Idolatry — Idolatry is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery, which separates people from God and leads to judgment.
- The Importance of Repentance and Faith — Repentance and faith are emphasized as essential responses to God's call, and are seen as key aspects of following Him.
- The Promise of Salvation — Throughout the chapter, God's desire to include all nations in His plan of salvation is emphasized, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience.
Themes from Isaiah 56
- Salvation and Judgment — The chapter emphasizes God's desire to save all nations, while also warning of judgment for those who do not repent.
- The Inclusive Nature of God's Plan — God's plan of salvation is inclusive, desiring to include all nations in His plan.
- The Importance of the Sabbath — The Sabbath is a sign of faith and obedience to God's commands, and is emphasized as a key aspect of following God.
- The Danger of Idolatry — Idolatry is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery, which separates people from God and leads to judgment.
- Repentance and Faith — Repentance and faith are emphasized as essential responses to God's call, and are seen as key aspects of following Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the Sabbath represent in this chapter, and why is it important?
- How does the chapter emphasize the inclusive nature of God's plan of salvation?
- What is the danger of idolatry, and how can we avoid it?
- What is the relationship between faith and obedience in this chapter?
- How can we apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives and hearts?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Call to Keep the Sabbath (Isaiah 56:1-2)
| Isaiah 56:1 | The chapter begins by calling the people to keep the Sabbath and do what is right, promising that God will bless those who do. |
| Isaiah 56:2 | The Sabbath is seen as a sign of faith and obedience to God's commands, and is emphasized as a key aspect of following God. |
2. The Inclusion of Foreigners (Isaiah 56:3-8)
| Isaiah 56:3 | The chapter then addresses the concerns of eunuchs and foreigners, assuring them that they will have a place in God's house if they follow His commands. |
| Isaiah 56:4 | God promises to give them a name better than sons and daughters, and to make them joyful in His house of prayer. |
| Isaiah 56:5 | The foreigners will be given a place among the Israelites, and will be included in God's covenant. |
| Isaiah 56:6 | The foreigners will keep the Sabbath and hold fast to God's covenant, and will be given a name that will not be cut off. |
| Isaiah 56:7 | The foreigners will bring offerings and sacrifices to God's holy mountain, and will be accepted by Him. |
| Isaiah 56:8 | God will gather the outcasts of Israel, and will bring them back to their own land. |
3. The Condemnation of Idolatry (Isaiah 56:9-12)
| Isaiah 56:9 | The beasts of the field are called to come and devour the leaders of Israel, who are blind and ignorant. |
| Isaiah 56:10 | The leaders of Israel are like dogs, sleeping and loving to slumber, and are unable to understand the danger that is coming. |
| Isaiah 56:11 | The leaders of Israel are greedy and selfish, and are only concerned with their own interests. |
| Isaiah 56:12 | The leaders of Israel are called to come and get drunk, for tomorrow they will die, and their glory will be turned to shame. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Isaiah 56?
The main theme of Isaiah 56 is the call to repentance and faith, emphasizing God's desire for all nations to come to Him. The chapter highlights the importance of keeping the Sabbath and following God's commands, and warns against the dangers of idolatry.
Who is included in God's plan of salvation?
God's plan of salvation is inclusive, desiring to include all nations in His plan. The chapter emphasizes the inclusion of foreigners and eunuchs, who will be given a place in God's house if they follow His commands.
What is the danger of idolatry?
Idolatry is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery, which separates people from God and leads to judgment. The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry, and calls the people to repent and turn to God.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 56:1 → Exodus 20:8-11 | The Sabbath is first mentioned in Exodus 20:8-11, where God commands the Israelites to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. |
| 2 | Isaiah 56:3 → Deuteronomy 23:1-8 | The law of Moses excludes eunuchs and foreigners from the assembly of the Lord, but Isaiah 56:3-8 includes them in God's plan of salvation. |
| 3 | Isaiah 56:6 → Matthew 21:13 | Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:6-7 in Matthew 21:13, emphasizing the importance of the house of prayer for all nations. |
| 4 | Isaiah 56:9 → Jeremiah 12:9 | The beasts of the field are called to come and devour the leaders of Israel, just as in Jeremiah 12:9, where the prophet laments the destruction of the land. |
| 5 | Isaiah 56:10 → Isaiah 29:10 | The leaders of Israel are like dogs, sleeping and loving to slumber, just as in Isaiah 29:10, where the prophet condemns the spiritual blindness of the people. |
| 6 | Isaiah 56:11 → Micah 3:11 | The leaders of Israel are greedy and selfish, just as in Micah 3:11, where the prophet condemns the corruption of the leaders. |
| 7 | Isaiah 56:12 → Proverbs 23:29-35 | The leaders of Israel are called to come and get drunk, for tomorrow they will die, just as in Proverbs 23:29-35, where the dangers of drunkenness are warned against. |
| 8 | Isaiah 56:1-12 → John 4:21-24 | The chapter emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, just as in John 4:21-24, where Jesus teaches the Samaritan woman about true worship. |
| 9 | Isaiah 56:1-12 → Romans 11:25-32 | The chapter emphasizes the inclusive nature of God's plan of salvation, just as in Romans 11:25-32, where Paul teaches about the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. |
| 10 | Isaiah 56:1-12 → Revelation 21:22-27 | The chapter emphasizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of salvation, just as in Revelation 21:22-27, where the new heaven and the new earth are described. |
Sermons on Isaiah 56
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Rejected Ones by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and encourages the congregation to forgive others. He shares a personal story about a dilapidated chicken coop |
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Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes |
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What Do You Do With Your Future by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher uses various metaphors to describe the fleeting nature of life. He compares life to a mess on a hillside, grass in a valley, the flight of a bird, and |
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House of Prayer - Part 1 by Jim Cymbala | This sermon reflects on the powerful and unusual depiction of Jesus cleansing the temple, showcasing a side of him that is rarely seen - filled with righteous anger and authority. |
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Beware of Dogs by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of not remaining silent about one's faith. He recounts a plane journey where he noticed people wea |
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The Sabbath & Sabbatarianism by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of Christian liberty in relation to the Fourth Commandment. He explains that the reformers believed that apart from attending wor |
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Justification by Faith by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God. He highlights that when confronted with the message of the gospel, one is confronted with the vo |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the role of believers in preparing people for the second coming of Jesus, comparing it to the way John the Baptist prepared for his first co |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 5 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher calls upon people to hear the message of God and invites them to come and receive the gospel without any cost. He emphasizes that there is pure grace i |
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53 - a New Years Reflection by Ben Torrey | In this video, Ben Torrey announces that this will be his last broadcast as he is unable to continue due to his increasing workload. He reflects on the past year and the sense of g |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 56
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 56 emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath and following God's commands. He notes that the chapter is a call to repentance and faith, and that God's plan of salvation is inclusive, desiring to include all nations. Henry also highlights the danger of idolatry, and the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He sees the chapter as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, to make him the father of many nations. Overall, Henry's commentary emphasizes the practical lessons of the chapter, and encourages readers to apply its principles to their own lives and hearts. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Inclusive Nature of God's Plan
The chapter emphasizes God's desire to include all nations in His plan of salvation, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience. This is seen in the call to the foreigner to join themselves to the Lord (Isaiah 56:3-8).
The Importance of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is seen as a sign of faith and obedience to God's commands, and is emphasized as a key aspect of following God (Isaiah 56:1-2, 6).
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery, which separates people from God and leads to judgment (Isaiah 56:9-12).