Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 56

Verses 1-12

This division ends with two chapters (56 and 57) which set forth certain aspects of the administration of the Kingdom. The first is intended to comfort those who by recent promises of restoration made to the people of God were likely to be discouraged. Strangers would say, "The Lord will surely separate me from His people," and, in view of the hope of the growth of the nation, the eunuch would declare, "Behold, I am a dry tree." Both these are comforted. To the latter is promised a memorial and a name in the house of God better than that of sons and daughters. The strangers are told that as they join themselves to the Lord, to be His ministers who love His name, they also will be welcomed to His holy mountain. It is a declaration which reveals the prophet's understanding that the coming victory will have a wider application than merely to the chosen people.

While there is welcome for the strangers who submit to the Lord, there is to be the severest judgment of evil, even when it manifests itself among the chosen people. The beasts of the field are summoned to devour the blind watchman and the drunker, leaders.