Isaiah 56 - Introduction

This chapter, to Isaiah 56:9, is evidently a continuation of the same general subject which is discussed in the previous chapters, and is closely connected with the great truths communicated in Isaiah 52:13, and Isaiah 53:1, respecting the work of the Messiah. The general design of the prophet seems to be to state the happy results which would follow his coming. In Isaiah 54, he states that that work would render the establishment and perpetuity of the church certain. In Isaiah 55:1, he states that it would lay the foundation for the offer of the gospel to all people, and that it should certainly be successful on the earth and finally triumph, and produce great and important changes. In this chapter Isaiah 56:1 the same idea is presented in another form, that no one would be excluded from the offer of salvation, and that strangers and foreigners would become connected, with equal privileges, with the people of God. At Isaiah 56:9, a new subject is introduced - the invasion of the land of Judea by foreign armies and the consequent punishment of the wicked and idolatrous part of the nation. This subject is continued in the following chapter. The following analysis will present a view of the design and scope of this.

I. The kingdom of God was near. The great work of man’s redemption, to which the prophet referred, would not be long delayed, and those who were expecting the coming of the Messiah should be holy Isaiah 56:1.

II. The blessedness of those who should be admitted to the privileges connected with the kingdom of God, and the coming of the Messiah.

1. Who they would be.

(1) The man who kept the Sabbath Isaiah 56:2.

(2) The stranger and foreigner Isaiah 56:3.

(3) The eunuch Isaiah 56:3.

2. The privileges of thus being admitted to the favor and friendship of God.

(1) They should be brought to his holy mountain.

(2) They should be made joyful in the house of prayer.

(3) Their offerings should be accepted.

(4) These favors should be extended to all people Isaiah 56:7.

III. A prophecy respecting the invasion of the land on account of the crimes of the nation.

1. The invasion is represented under the image of wild beasts coming to devour Isaiah 56:9.

2. The cause of this.

(1) The indolence and unfaithfulness of the watchmen.

(2) Their selfishness, avarice, and covetousness.

(3) Their revelry and intemperance Isaiah 56:10.