Isaiah 56:1-8

Isaiah 56:1-8

[1] Thus saith  the LORD,  Keep  ye judgment,  and do  justice:  for my salvation  is near  to come,  and my righteousness  to be revealed.  [2] Blessed  that doeth  this, and the son  of man  that layeth hold  on it; that keepeth  the sabbath  from polluting  it, and keepeth  his hand  from doing  any evil.  [3] Neither let the son  of the stranger,  that hath joined  himself to the LORD,  speak,  The LORD  hath utterly  me from his people:  neither let the eunuch  say,  Behold, I am a dry  tree.  [4] For thus saith  the LORD  unto the eunuchs  that keep  my sabbaths,  and choose  the things that please  me, and take hold  of my covenant;  [5] Even unto them will I give  in mine house  and within my walls  a place  and a name  better  than of sons  and of daughters:  I will give  them an everlasting  name,  that shall not be cut off.  [6] Also the sons  of the stranger,  that join  themselves to the LORD,  to serve  him, and to love  the name  of the LORD,  to be his servants,  every one that keepeth  the sabbath  from polluting  it, and taketh hold  of my covenant;  [7] Even them will I bring  to my holy  mountain,  and make them joyful  in my house  of prayer:  their burnt offerings  and their sacrifices  shall be accepted  upon mine altar;  for mine house  shall be called  an house  of prayer  for all people.  [8] The Lord  GOD  which gathereth  the outcasts  of Israel  saith,  Yet will I gather 

What does Isaiah 56:1-8 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

This 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.