Isaiah 56

• Vv. 1-2 This is a divine command from the Lord, important for every generation of believer. If the command is followed, blessing is promised from the Lord. The Lord commands his people to keep justice and do righteousness. Why? Because his salvation and righteousness is about to be revealed. Therefore, those not keeping justice or doing righteousness can expect to miss out on this salvation. Blessed is the man who upholds a pure life, one that is ruled by the Lord, free from evil.

• Vv. 3-5 Those who might traditionally excluded from the family of God are to be accepted in full, brought in through this new covenant. The foreigner often faced fear of rejection. In this covenant the stranger is especially accepted. The eunuch who feels without home because the inability to have children will be overcome with the new family he is experiencing.

• Vv. 6-8 The expanse of people that the covenant covers is breathtaking. God is seen gathering outsiders and others unto himself that they may find unity in the house of prayer. Jesus quotes this verse in Mark 11:17, though in order to show the contrast to the glorious vision Isaiah gives in comparison to what the temple had become.

• Vv. 9-12 Interestingly, God has just been seen opening the gates into his presence to all the outcasts and strangers. These verses find the Lord allowing judgement to befall the sinful leaders of Israel.