Isaiah 56

Notes

Ver. 1. The general scope of this prophecy, and its close connection with ch. liv. lv., should be kept in view. In ch. liv. the blessed results of the Messiah's work and triumph are stated:—His church or kingdom would be established on an everlasting foundation. In ch. lv. it is declared that the doors of the church would no longer be shut against the Gentiles; but that they as well as God's ancient people would have access. In this chapter the same glorious truth is set forth more clearly and fully. Every individual of the human family, wherever born, from whatever nation or tribe sprung, would be admitted on equal terms to all the blessings and privileges of Christ's people. P.——Keep ye judgment, &c. The prophet being now about to close a great series of predictions, proceeds to certain practical observances, just as, in later days, Paul was accustomed to explain and establish certain doctrines, and then to enforce moral duties; both acting upon the principle of laying the foundation, and then building the temple. C.

Ver. 2. Keepeth the Sabbath. Sabbath observance is chosen as the chief outward test of inward holiness, (1) because it is a direct remembrance and imitation of God; (2) because it is a visible testimony to God's authority; (3) because, as an act of self-denial, it affords a continued specimen of deep Christian principle; and (4) because it is a natural type of the 'rest that remaineth for the people of God.' C.

Ver. 3. Son of the stranger. Not merely a Gentile as distinct from a Jew, but one whose parents had been strangers to God, whose early education had been neglected, and whose youth had consequently been spent in folly. C.

Ver. 4. The eunuchs, &c. Many Christians are much troubled because they think they have effected no good, because they have no spiritual posterity whom they can call 'their little children,' Ga. 4. 19. To such desponding believers this encouragement is addressed, to teach them that they are not to be judged by what they have done; but by what, through grace, they have endeavoured to accomplish, Ro. 9. 16. C.

Ver. 7. Them will I bring to my holy mountain. From Da. 2. 35 it is evident that the 'mountain of the Lord' is the emblem of the church exalted by Messiah; that the 'house of prayer' has ceased to be confined to Jerusalem, and is found wherever there is a worshipper 'in spirit and in truth,' Jn. 4. 20-24; that the 'offerings and sacrifices' are prayer, praise, and beneficence, 1 Pe. 2. 5; He. 13. 15, 16; and that 'the altar' is the spiritual and living altar and sacrifice, Christ, He. 13. 10. C.

Ver. 9. The foregoing verse has closed a glorious series of prophecies, some past, some present, but chiefly future. Here commences a series of accusations, rebukes, and exhortations, happily closing in deep national and ecclesiastical confession and repentance, ch. 59. 9-15. C.

Reflections.—God's kindness powerfully binds and constrains to holiness in all manner of conversation. And if I share of his grace, it becomes me to hate evil; to love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength; carefully to observe all his institutions, and do to my neighbours of mankind as I would they should do to me. Always should I rest contented with my earthly lot, as now no natural defects can debar me from the congregation of the Lord: and the fulness of Jesus' promise can sufficiently balance my want of children, or anything beside. Yea, let me greatly rejoice that Gentile sinners are now not only invited, but divinely drawn, to God's holy mountain and the gospel church, with its divine and life-giving ordinances. But fearful is the presage of impending ruin when ministers and magistrates become monsters and patterns of wickedness.