Isaiah 56
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Whoever would partake of the blessings of the Gospel is required to be holy in all manner of life and conversation. And he that will be so is declared to be accepted according to this gracious dispensation, the blessings of which are large as the human race, without any respect to persons or to nations, Isa 56:1-8. At the ninth verse begins a different subject, or new section of prophecy. It opens with calling on the enemies of the Jews, (the Chaldeans, or perhaps the Romans), as beasts of prey against them, for the sins of their rulers, teachers, and other profane people among them, whose guilt drew down judgments on the nation, Isa 56:9-12.
Open source ↗THE PREPARATION NEEDED ON THE PART OF THOSE WHO WISH TO BE ADMITTED TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (Isa 56:1-12) judgment--equity. John the Baptist preached similarly a return to righteousness, as needed to prepare men for Messiah's first coming (Luk 3:3, Luk 3:8-14). So it shall be before the second coming (Mal 4:4-6). near to come-- (Mat 3:2; Mat 4:17), also as to the second coming (Isa 62:10-11; Luk 21:28, Luk 21:31; Rom 13:11-12; Heb 10:25). righteousness--answering to "salvation" in the parallel clause; therefore it means righteousness which bringeth salvation (Isa 46:13; Rom 3:25-26).
Open source ↗Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice,.... Observe the word of the Lord, which comes from the God of judgment, is the best informer of the judgment, and the only rule of faith and practice; and which should be kept in the heart, mind, and memory, be held fast, and abode by; and so likewise all the ordinances of the Lord, which are his statutes and judgments; these should be all of them kept as they were delivered, in faith, from love, and with a view to the glory of God and Christ; all matters of judgment and justice between man and man, whether public or private, should be observed and done; all that you would have men to do to you, do to them; all works of righteousness required by the Lord, though not to be depended upon for justification in his sight, but regarded as fruits and evidences of faith and repentance; for works of righteousness cannot be done but by regenerated persons. The reasons enforcing a regard to these things follow: for my salvation is near to come; which are either the words of God the Father concerning Christ and his salvation, whom he appointed, called, and sent to effect it; who, when this prophecy was given out, was to come, and was to come as a Saviour, and was near at hand; and whose salvation, as to the efficacy of it, was come, all the Old Testament saints being saved by it; and, as to the impetration of it, was near at hand, he being ready to come, and in a short time, comparatively speaking, did come, and work out this salvation God had resolved upon, chosen his people to, and in which his glory was greatly concerned; and therefore calls it his own: or they are the words of Christ, who is the sole author of spiritual and eternal salvation, and in whom alone it is, and from him alone to be had; and which was near, being p…
Open source ↗The note of admonition struck in the foregoing prophecy is continued here, the sabbatical duties being enforced with especial emphasis as part of the general righteousness of life. "Thus saith Jehovah, Keep ye right, and do righteousness: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to reveal itself. Blessed is the mortal that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth fast hold thereon; who keepeth the Sabbath, that he doth not desecrate it, and keepeth his hand from doing any kind of evil." Jehovah and Israel have both an objective standard in the covenant relation into which they have entered: משׁפּט (right) is practice answering to this; ישׁוּעה (salvation) the performance promised by God; צדקה (righteousness) on both sides such personal activity as is in accordance with the covenant relation, or what is the same thing, with the purpose and plan of salvation. The nearer the full realization on the part of Jehovah of what He has promised, the more faithful ought Israel to be in everything to which it is bound by its relation to Jehovah. זאת (this) points, as in Psa 7:4, to what follows; and so also does בּהּ, which points back to זאת. Instead of שׁמור or לשׁמר we have here שׁמר, the זאת being described personally instead of objectively. שּׁבּת is used as a masculine in Isa 56:2, Isa 56:6 (cf., Isa 58:13), although the word is not formed after the same manner as קטּל, but is rather contracted from שׁבּתת (a festive time, possibly with עת = עדת understood), and therefore was originally a feminine; and it is so personified in the language employed in the worship of the synagogue. (Note: According to b. Sabbath 119a, R. Chanina dressed himself on Friday evening in his sabbath-clothes, and said, "Come, and let us go to meet Queen Sabbath." And so did also Jannai…
Open source ↗The scope of these verses is to show that when God is coming towards us in a way of mercy we must go forth to meet him in a way of duty. I. God here tells us what are his intentions of mercy to us (Isa 56:1): My salvation is near to come - the great salvation wrought out by Jesus Christ (for that was the salvation of which the prophets enquired and searched diligently, Pe1 1:10), typified by the salvation of the Jews from Sennacherib or out of Babylon. Observe, 1. The gospel salvation is the salvation of the Lord. It was contrived and brought about by him; he glories in it as his. 2. In that salvation God's righteousness is revealed, which is so much the beauty of the gospel that St. Paul makes this the ground of his glorying in it. (Rom 1:17), because therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. The law revealed that righteousness of God by which all sinners stand condemned, but the gospel reveals that by which all believers stand acquitted. 3. The Old Testament saints saw this salvation coming, and drawing near to them, long before it came; and they had notice by the prophets of its approach. As Daniel understood by Jeremiah's books the approach of the redemption out of Babylon, at the end of seventy years, so others understood by Daniel's books the approach of our redemption by Christ at the end of seventy weeks of years. II. He tells us what are his expectations of duty from us, in consideration thereof. Say not, "We see the salvation near, and therefore we may live as we list, for there is no danger now of missing it or coming short of it;" that is turning the grace of God into wantonness. But, on the contrary, when the salvation is near double your guard against sin. Note, The fuller assurances God gives us of the performance of his promises t…
Open source ↗56:1–66:24 This last major division of the book of Isaiah brings together themes from chs 1–39 (sin, justice and righteousness, responsibility, vengeance and vindication) and chs 40–55 (salvation, the age to come). 56:1-8 This section summarizes chs 1–55 with an invitation to the outcasts to participate in God’s redemption. 56:1 Be just and fair: A key aspect of the message of chs 1–39 is the call for justice in relationship with others and God. True godliness comes only through having character that is shaped by the character of God, which only happens by understanding and consistently applying God’s word. • I am coming soon: This statement summarizes the message of chs 40–55, that the Lord is creating a world of harmony, peace, restoration, vindication, and the removal of enemies (46:13).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application צְדָקָה (tsᵉdâqâh, H6666) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue)… יְשׁוּעָה (yᵉshûwʻâh, H3444) — something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity קָרוֹב (qârôwb, H7138) — near (in place, kindred or time) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) גָּלָה (gâlâh, H1540) — to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being…
Open source ↗אֶשֶׁר (ʼesher, H835) — happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy! אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… שַׁבָּת (shabbâth, H7676) — intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), רַע (raʻ, H7451) — bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… נֵכָר (nêkâr, H5236) — foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom לָוָה (lâvâh, H3867) — properly, to twine, i.e. (by implication) to unite, to remain; also to borrow (as a form… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) בָּדַל (bâdal, H914) — to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ,… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… סָרִיס (çârîyç, H5631) — a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a… יָבֵשׁ (yâbêsh, H3002) — dry עֵץ (ʻêts, H6086) — a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
Open source ↗אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God סָרִיס (çârîyç, H5631) — a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… שַׁבָּת (shabbâth, H7676) — intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select חָפֵץ (châphêts, H2654) — properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to… חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Open source ↗נָתַן (nâthan, H5414) — to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) חוֹמָה (chôwmâh, H2346) — a wall of protection יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm, H5769) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or… כָּרַת (kârath, H3772) — to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to…
Open source ↗בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… נֵכָר (nêkâr, H5236) — foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom לָוָה (lâvâh, H3867) — properly, to twine, i.e. (by implication) to unite, to remain; also to borrow (as a form… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שָׁרַת (shârath, H8334) — to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to אָהַב (ʼâhab, H157) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise) שֵׁם (shêm, H8034) — an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority,… עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… שַׁבָּת (shabbâth, H7676) — intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath חָלַל (châlal, H2490) — properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane… חָזַק (châzaq, H2388) — to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively… בְּרִית (bᵉrîyth, H1285) — a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity הַר (har, H2022) — a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively) שָׂמַח (sâmach, H8055) — probably to brighten up, i.e. (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh, H8605) — intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn עֹלָה (ʻôlâh, H5930) — a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke) זֶבַח (zebach, H2077) — properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the… רָצוֹן (râtsôwn, H7522) — delight (especially as shown) מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach, H4196) — an altar קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence…
Open source ↗אֲדֹנָי (ʼĂdônây, H136) — the Lord (used as a proper name of God only) יְהֹוִה (Yᵉhôvih, H3069) — {YHWH} קָבַץ (qâbats, H6908) — to grasp, i.e. collect דָּחָה (dâchâh, H1760) — to push down יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, H3478) — Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity נְאֻם (nᵉʼum, H5002) — an oracle
Open source ↗חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… שָׂדֶה (sâdeh, H7704) — a field (as flat) אָתָה (ʼâthâh, H857) — to arrive אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) יַעַר (yaʻar, H3293) — a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
Open source ↗צָפָה (tsâphâh, H6822) — properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe,… עִוֵּר (ʻivvêr, H5787) — blind (literally or figuratively) יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… אִלֵּם (ʼillêm, H483) — speechless כֶּלֶב (keleb, H3611) — a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute יָכֹל (yâkôl, H3201) — to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) נָבַח (nâbach, H5024) — to bark (as a dog) הָזָה (hâzâh, H1957) — to dream שָׁכַב (shâkab, H7901) — to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose) אָהַב (ʼâhab, H157) — to have affection for (sexually or otherwise) נוּם (nûwm, H5123) — to slumber (from drowsiness)
Open source ↗עַז (ʻaz, H5794) — strong, vehement, harsh נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… כֶּלֶב (keleb, H3611) — a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… שׇׂבְעָה (sobʻâh, H7654) — satiety רָעָה (râʻâh, H7462) — to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively);… בִּין (bîyn, H995) — to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e.(generally) understand פָּנָה (pânâh, H6437) — to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc. דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb אִישׁ (ʼîysh, H376) — a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term… בֶּצַע (betsaʻ, H1215) — plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust) קָצֶה (qâtseh, H7097) — an extremity
Open source ↗אָתָה (ʼâthâh, H857) — to arrive לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) יַיִן (yayin, H3196) — wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication סָבָא (çâbâʼ, H5433) — to quaff to satiety, i.e. become tipsy שֵׁכָר (shêkâr, H7941) — an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor מָחָר (mâchâr, H4279) — properly, deferred, i.e. the morrow; usually (adverbially) tomorrow; indefinitely,… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… מְאֹד (mᵉʼôd, H3966) — properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication,… יֶתֶר (yether, H3499) — properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a… גָּדוֹל (gâdôwl, H1419) — great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.
I am bringing My righteousness near; it is not far away, and My salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion and adorn Israel with My splendor.
If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own.
“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
“Remember the law of My servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb.