Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 56:6
(6) Also the sons of the stranger . . .—Proselytes also were to share in the blessings of the wider covenant. The words “to serve him” have been referred to some menial offices like that of the Nethinim, “hewers of wood and drawers of water” (Joshua 9:27; Ezra 8:20). The usage of the word, however, limits it to honourable functions. The germ of Isaiah’s thought appears in Solomon’s dedication prayer (1 Kings 8:41-43). It receives its highest development (in its entire separation from the... read more
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 56:5
(5) Even unto them will I give . . .—The words may refer simply to the spiritual blessedness of the faithful (Revelation 2:17; Revelation 3:5), but the customs of Eastern temples and of the later synagogues suggest that they may refer primarily to the memorial tablets which were put up in such places in commemoration of distinguished benefactors. For “place” read memorial. We note, of course, the special adaptation of the words “better than of sons and daughters” to the case which the prophet... read more