Isaiah 56

King James Version

Full text for Isaiah Chapter 56

1¶ Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation [is] near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

2Blessed [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.

3¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I [am] a dry tree.

4For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

5Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

6Also 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;

7Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

8The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather [others] to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

9¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest.

10His watchmen [are] blind: they are all ignorant, they [are] all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

11Yea, [they are] greedy dogs [which] can never have enough, and they [are] shepherds [that] cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.

12Come ye, [say they], I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, [and] much more abundant.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

The LORD commands righteousness and justice, for His salvation is near. He promises inclusion and an everlasting name in His house to eunuchs and strangers who keep His Sabbaths and covenant, declaring His house a place of prayer for all people. In stark contrast, the chapter condemns the nation's watchmen as blind, ignorant, greedy, and self-serving shepherds.

Medium Summary

Isaiah 56 begins with the LORD's directive to uphold justice and righteousness, as His salvation and righteousness are imminent. Blessings are pronounced upon those who diligently keep the Sabbath and abstain from evil. The chapter then extends a profound promise of inclusion to those previously marginalized: eunuchs and foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, keep His Sabbaths, and embrace His covenant. These individuals are assured a place and an everlasting name within God's house, a name superior to that of sons and daughters. The LORD declares His house shall be a house of prayer for all people, emphasizing a universal gathering beyond the outcasts of Israel. However, the latter part of the chapter sharply pivots to denounce the nation's spiritual leaders, describing them as blind, ignorant, greedy "dumb dogs" who are more concerned with personal gain and indulgence than with guiding the flock.

Long Summary

The chapter opens with a divine imperative from the LORD, urging His people to maintain judgment and execute justice, for the advent of His salvation and the revelation of His righteousness are at hand. A blessing is pronounced upon the individual who adheres to these principles, particularly emphasizing the keeping of the Sabbath without defilement and refraining from all evil. This divine outreach then extends to those traditionally considered outsiders. The LORD explicitly forbids the "son of the stranger" who has joined Him from feeling separated, and the eunuch from lamenting his barrenness. To eunuchs who keep His Sabbaths, choose what pleases Him, and hold fast to His covenant, the LORD promises a place and an everlasting name within His house and walls, a name superior to that of sons and daughters. Similarly, "sons of the stranger" who commit to serving and loving the LORD, keeping the Sabbath, and embracing His covenant, are promised access to His holy mountain and joy in His house of prayer, where their offerings will be accepted. The declaration that God's house "shall be called an house of prayer for all people" underscores a universal scope of worship and inclusion, as the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, also pledges to gather others beyond them. Yet, this vision of divine inclusion and righteousness is abruptly contrasted with a severe condemnation of the nation's watchmen or leaders. They are depicted as blind, ignorant, "dumb dogs" incapable of barking, prone to slumber, and characterized by insatiable greed. These shepherds lack understanding, each pursuing his own way and personal gain, indulging in strong drink with a carefree attitude, utterly neglecting their sacred responsibilities.

Core Concepts

  • Keeping Judgment and JusticeThe foundational command from the LORD for His people to uphold righteousness and fairness in their actions, as His salvation is imminent.
  • Sabbath ObservanceA key requirement for receiving blessings, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy and undefiled as a sign of covenant faithfulness.
  • Inclusion of StrangersA radical promise that foreigners who join the LORD, serve Him, keep His Sabbaths, and hold His covenant will be welcomed into His holy house and have their sacrifices accepted.
  • Promises to EunuchsAssurance given to eunuchs, who were often marginalized, that by keeping the LORD's Sabbaths and covenant, they will receive an everlasting name and a place in God's house, better than that of sons and daughters.
  • House of Prayer for All PeopleThe declaration that God's temple will not be exclusive but will serve as a place of worship and acceptance for all nations, signifying a universal scope of salvation.
  • Corrupt Watchmen/LeadersA scathing indictment of the nation's spiritual leaders, who are described as blind, ignorant, greedy, and self-serving, failing in their duty to guide and protect the people.
  • Universal GatheringThe Lord God's commitment to not only gather the outcasts of Israel but also to bring in "others" to Himself, expanding the scope of His people beyond traditional boundaries.