What is the meaning of Isaiah 56:6? And the foreigners • God’s embrace extends beyond ethnic Israel. In Isaiah’s day, “foreigners” were Gentiles who lived among the covenant people (cf. Exodus 12:48; Isaiah 42:6). • This phrase shows that salvation was always meant to be global—fulfilled in Christ who “is the atoning sacrifice…for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). • Revelation 5:9 pictures redeemed people “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation,” echoing Isaiah’s promise. who join themselves to the LORD • “Join” pictures deliberate attachment, like grafting a branch (Romans 11:17). • Jeremiah 50:5 speaks of nations saying, “Come, let us join ourselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant.” • True faith is never passive; it clings to the living God (Joshua 23:8). to minister to Him • Ministry isn’t limited to Israel’s priests; any believer may serve God directly (1 Peter 2:9). • In Isaiah 61:6 the Lord foretells, “You will be called priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God.” • Service includes worship, obedience, and works of mercy (Hebrews 13:15-16). to love the name of the LORD • Love drives obedience (John 14:15). • Psalm 5:11: “May those who love Your name rejoice in You.” • Malachi 1:11 condemns half-hearted worship; Isaiah lifts up foreigners who genuinely cherish God’s reputation and character. and to be His servants • A servant yields ownership. Paul says, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God” (Romans 6:22). • Jesus declares, “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me” (John 12:26). • Isaiah foreshadows believers gladly identifying as bond-servants of the Lord. all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it • Sabbath keeping expressed covenant loyalty (Exodus 20:8-11). • Nehemiah 13:17-23 shows how seriously God viewed Sabbath profanation. • While the Mosaic sign is fulfilled in Christ—“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8)—the principle of resting in God’s completed work remains (Hebrews 4:9-10). and who hold fast to My covenant • “Hold fast” means steady perseverance (Deuteronomy 4:4). • Isaiah points to a faith that endures, not a momentary decision (Hebrews 10:23). • God promises in Jeremiah 31:33, “I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts.” Clinging to the covenant demonstrates that inner work. summary Isaiah 56:6 reveals God’s heart to welcome anyone—Jew or Gentile—who clings to Him through faith expressed in loving devotion, obedient service, Sabbath-centered rest, and covenant loyalty. The verse anticipates the New Testament reality of one unified people redeemed by Christ, called to worship, serve, and delight in the Lord forever. |
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