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Isaiah Chapter 56 (JPS)

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Isaiah Chapter 56 (JPS)

1 Thus saith HaShem: Keep ye justice, and do righteousness; for My salvation is near to come, and My favour to be revealed.

2 Happy is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that holdeth fast by it: that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

3 Neither let the alien, that hath joined himself to HaShem, speak, saying: 'The HaShem will surely separate me from His people'; neither let the eunuch say: 'Behold, I am a dry tree.'

4 For thus saith HaShem concerning the eunuchs that keep My sabbaths, and choose the things that please Me, and hold fast by My covenant:

5 Even unto them will I give in My house and within My walls a monument and a memorial better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting memorial, that shall not be cut off.

6 Also the aliens, that join themselves to HaShem, to minister unto Him, and to love the name of HaShem, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it, and holdeth fast by My covenant:

7 Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

8 Saith the L-rd GOD who gathereth the dispersed of Israel: yet I will gather others to him, beside those of him that are gathered.

9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

10 His watchmen are all blind, without knowledge; they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; raving, lying down, loving to slumber.

11 Yea, the dogs are greedy, they know not when they have enough; and these are shepherds that cannot understand; they all turn to their own way, each one to his gain, one and all.

12 'Come ye, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Isaiah 56 about?
It promises eunuchs and foreigners who keep the sabbath and hold to God's covenant 'an everlasting name' and a place in his house (vv.4-7), declaring 'mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people' (v.7) - a verse later quoted by Jesus in Mark 11:17.
What does Isaiah 56 promise to eunuchs?
Verses 4-5 promise eunuchs who keep the sabbath and hold fast God's covenant 'a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters...an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off' - a notable inclusion given ancient restrictions on eunuchs' standing.
What does Isaiah 56 say about Israel's watchmen?
Verses 10-11 harshly criticize the nation's leaders as blind watchmen and 'dumb dogs' that cannot bark, greedy and self-seeking shepherds who 'look to their own way, every one for his gain.'

Today's Verse

but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these:

Daniel 2:28 | ASV

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