Isaiah 56:3-5

Neither let the son of the stranger

“The son of the stranger”

“The son of the stranger” means simply the individual foreigner (R.., “the stranger”), not one whose father was a foreigner. (Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)

The non-Israelite. (A. B. Davidson, D. D.)

Consolation far proselytes

The case supposed is that if a foreigner who has “joined himself to the Lord, i.e has become a proselyte by accepting the symbols of Jewish nationality (circumcision, etc.), but now has reason to fear that his qualifications will be disallowed. It is likely that the immediate cause of apprehension was some manifestation of an exclusive and intolerant spirit amongst the leaders of the New Jerusalem. Against this spirit (if it existed) the prophets words enter a strong protest. (Prof. J. Skinner, D. D.)

Unbelief

Unbelief many times suggests things to the discouragement of good people which are directly contrary to what God Himself hath said; things which He hath expressly guarded against. (M. Henry.)

The eunuch

Eunuchs

We must understand those of Israelitish descent. (F. Delitzsch, D. D)

The eunuch “a dry tree”

The eunuch being “a dry tree” feels that having no children he will have no permanent place or name in the kingdom. (A. B. Davidson, D. D.)