That doeth this … that layeth hold on it ; i.e. that doeth according to the exhortation in Isaiah 56:1 . That keepeth the sabbath . The prominent place assigned to this duty by the evangelical prophet is remarkable. We may observe, however, read more
The sabbath a test of obedience. It is singular to find Isaiah now making so much of the sabbath when, in the earlier part of his prophecy, he had, in the name of God, spoken of it so scornfully (see Isaiah 1:13 , "The new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with"). Matthew Arnold refers to this contrast, and says, "That related to a time when the kingdom of Judah yet stood, when the service of the temple was in full course, the whole exterior part of the Jews'... read more
The son of the stranger ; i.e. the foreigner, who has become a proselyte. During the depression of the Captivity these are not likely to have been many. Still, there were doubtless some; and these, who had embraced Judaism under such unfavourable circumstances, were entitled to special consideration. As Messianic hopes prevailed, and the time of restoration to Palestine drew near ( Isaiah 56:1 ), they might naturally be afraid that they would not be looked upon as equals by the native... read more
Outward defects and defilements no hindrance to full communion in the Church of God. In the infancy of humanity, and with a people so carnal as the Israelites, it was necessary to teach the great doctrines of purity and holiness by a material symbolism. Hence the multitude of regulations in the Law concerning defects, blemishes, sources of outward defilement, methods of removing defilements, clean and unclean meats, and the like. God strove to train his people by these out ward shows to the... read more
The open gate. The temple or house of God ( Isaiah 56:7 ) stands for his kingdom of righteousness; and in exalted vision the prophet foresees the time when it shall stand open to every man—to the stranger or heathen, and even to those physically debarred. It is to be called "a house of prayer for all people. " It is worthy of note that it should be called a house of prayer; the truth is intimated that, in the kingdom of God, sacrifice performed by the few on behalf of the many will... read more
The eunuchs that … take hold of my covenant. The law of Deuteronomy 23:1 shall be abrogated under the new condition of things, for such as "take hold of God's covenant." read more
Disabled ones sharing Divine blessings. From the points of view of the earlier Judaism, eunuchs and strangers were persons placed under special disability. Neither could take full share in national or sanctuary privileges ( Deuteronomy 23:1-8 ). To understand the feeling towards eunuchs we must remember the two prevailing ideas among the Jews, which made offspring seem so desirable. 1 . A man found a sort of quasi-immortality in the feeling that he would live over again in his... read more
In mine house; i.e. "in my Church". Within my walls. Within the walls of my "holy city" (see above, Isaiah 54:11 , Isaiah 54:12 ; Isaiah 50:1-11 :14; Isaiah 42:12 ). A place and a name; or, a memorial and a name; i.e. honourable mention, like that promised to the woman who anointed Christ for his burial ( Matthew 26:13 ). Such mention is found in Matthew 19:12 ; Acts 8:27-39 . read more
Also the sons of the stranger (comp. Isaiah 56:3 ). The proselytes shall not be treated as they fear. On the contrary, God will treat them in exactly the same way as his original people—will conduct them to Palestine, settle them in his "holy mountain,'' admit them to the temple services, accept their burnt offerings and their sacrifices. All this will be a foretaste of their position in the Christian Church, where there will be neither Jew nor Gentile, neither circumcision nor... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 56:1-8
The true observance of the sabbath. Foreign converts are commended for their observance of the sabbath, and promised an appropriate reward. The day was more strictly observed during the Babylonian and Persian periods ( Jeremiah 17:19-27 ; Ezekiel 20:11-21 ; Ezekiel 22:8 , Ezekiel 22:26 ; Nehemiah 13:15-22 ; cf. 2 Kings 11:11-16 with 1 Macc . 2:32-38). Its estimation rose with the estimation of prayer (Cheyne). I. THE DUTY OF OBEDIENCE . The Law is "the objective... read more