Isaiah 56:11

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 56:9-12

Corruption and idolatry (56:9-57:21)The Assyrian captivity of the northerners and the Babylonian captivity of the southerners did not include the whole populations. Those who were of no use to the conquerors were left behind, along with scattered country people who escaped the enemy. These and their descendants soon followed the old religious practices of the Canaanite people. They worshipped idols, offered human sacrifices to the god Molech, and practised fertility rites with religious... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 56:11

greedy = strong of soul. Hebrew. nephesh ( App-13 ) = strong of appetite: i.e., as well rendered, "greedy". every one. Hebrew. 'I s h . App-14 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 56:10-12

Isaiah 56:10-12. His watchmen— The prophet in these words paints in a lively manner the very corrupt government of the church. The consequence of which, is that deplorable state of the church described in the next section. Nothing can be more strong and expressive than the words of the prophet; he turns the subject before him into every form; and, as the greatest part of his discourse is metaphorical, he makes use of figures and emblems, as usual, most admirably adapted to express his meaning.... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 56:11

11. greedy—literally, "strong" (that is, insatiable) in appetite (Ezekiel 34:2; Ezekiel 34:3; Micah 3:11). cannot understand—unable to comprehend the wants of the people, spiritually: so Micah 3:11- :, "cannot bark." look to . . . own way—that is, their own selfish interests; not to the spiritual welfare of the people (Jeremiah 6:13; Ezekiel 22:27). from his quarter—rather, "from the highest to the lowest" [LOWTH]. "From his quarter"; that is, from one end to the other of them, one and all... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 56:9-13

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 56:11

These prophets and leaders of the people were greedy to satisfy their own desires and so were never satisfied. They had no understanding and so pursued their own personal agendas (cf. Isaiah 28:7-8; Isaiah 29:9-11). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 56:1-12

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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 56:9-12

The Idolatries of IsraelIt is difficult to determine the date of this section with certainty. Many scholars assign it, with the rest of Isaiah 40-66, to the period of the exile, or to a date after the return; but some give it a pre-exilic date, on the following grounds: (a) The picture that is drawn of the self-indulgent and infatuated leaders of the nation (Isa 56:10-12) would, it is thought, apply more accurately to the period preceding the exile, than to the exile. (b) The idolatrous rites... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 56:9-21

The Idolatries of IsraelIt is difficult to determine the date of this section with certainty. Many scholars assign it, with the rest of Isaiah 40-66, to the period of the exile, or to a date after the return; but some give it a pre-exilic date, on the following grounds: (a) The picture that is drawn of the self-indulgent and infatuated leaders of the nation (Isaiah 56:10-12) would, it is thought, apply more accurately to the period preceding the exile, than to the exile. (b) The idolatrous... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 56:11

(11) Shepherds that cannot understand . . .—Better, and such are shepherds; they cannot understand. There is no confusion or change of metaphors. What is implied is that the prophets who are not fit to be watch-dogs of the flock, assume the office of its shepherds.From his quarter—i.e., in modern phrase, from his own sphere of influence. read more

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