9. beasts—Gentile idolatrous nations hostile to the Jews, summoned by God to chastise them (Jeremiah 12:7-9; Jeremiah 50:17; Ezekiel 34:5): the Chaldeans and subsequently the Romans. The mention of the "outcasts of Israel" (Isaiah 56:8) brings in view the outcasting, caused by the sins of their rulers (Isaiah 56:8- :). to devour—namely, Israel. read more
10. His watchmen—Israel's spiritual leaders (Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 3:17). dumb dogs—image from bad shepherds' watchdogs, which fail to give notice, by barking, of the approach of wild beasts. blind— (Ezekiel 3:17- :). sleeping, lying down—rather, "dreamers, sluggards" [LOWTH]. Not merely sleeping inactive, but under visionary delusions. loving to slumber—not merely slumbering involuntarily, but loving it. read more
The basis of acceptance and blessing 56:1-8This transitional pericope introduces the problem that the previous sections of the book posed, which I have tried to explain just above. It also begins the explanation of the solution by placing in stark contrast two opposing views of what pleases God: simply being a child of Abraham, versus living in loving obedience to God. read more
With an unusually strong declaration (cf. Isaiah 1:24), sovereign Yahweh affirmed that He would gather many other Gentiles to Himself along with the Israelites (cf. Isaiah 19:25; Isaiah 49:6-7; Isaiah 51:5; Isaiah 55:5; John 10:16). He would not save only Israelites, but Gentiles as well. The new revelation, or mystery, concerning the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the church (Ephesians 2-3), was not that God would save Gentiles as well as Jews. It was that in the church He would deal... read more
Isaiah summoned the beastly enemies of Israel to come and feed on the flock of God’s people (cf. Jeremiah 12:9; Ezekiel 34:5; Ezekiel 34:8). read more
The basis of rejection and cursing 56:9-57:13Whereas heartfelt love for and trust in the Lord make anyone acceptable to Him, reliance on one’s position or ability for acceptance will not. read more
The false prophets, who were God’s watchmen over His flock, were blind to the dangers that faced Israel (cf. Isaiah 21:6; Isaiah 52:8). They were like dogs that should have barked when danger approached but were silent. Instead of being on guard, they were asleep, dreaming of an unrealistically rosy future for the nation. They were unaware of those things that should have gripped their attention."When the minister does not warn the flock of false doctrine, he ceases to be a faithful... read more
1, 2. Further conditions to be observed that men may share in the approaching deliverance. 1. Keep ye.. justice] i.e. keep the law, and practise righteousness. 2. Layeth hold on] RV ’ holdeth fast by.’ Polluting] RV ’profaning.’3-7. The privileges of the people of God are open to all, even to those who think themselves excluded by race, or by physical disability (Deuteronomy 23:1). The sabbath appears to have been more strictly observed in the BabyIonian period than it had been under the... read more
This section is not so argumentative in tone as the last. Its distinguishing feature is the development of the prophet's teaching concerning the Servant of Jehovah. The conception seems to arise, as has been noted, with the nation considered collectively as a Servant of God (Isaiah 41:8-9; Isaiah 44:1-2, Isaiah 44:21; Isa 45:4). So long as the attitude and work of God in relation to the nation are solely in view, there is no limitation of the idea; but when the nation's work and attitude to Him... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 56:8
8. Jehovah will not only restore the scattered outcasts of Israel (Isaiah 11:12; Psalms 147:2) to their own land, but "will gather others ('strangers') to him (Israel), besides those gathered" (Margin, "to his gathered"; that is, in addition to the Israelites collected from their dispersion), (John 10:16; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 2:19). read more