Isaiah 56:6
And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants--all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant--
And the foreigners
The Hebrew word for "foreigners" is "נֵכָר" (nekar), which refers to those who are not native Israelites. Historically, Israel was a nation set apart, and foreigners were often seen as outsiders. However, this verse highlights God's inclusive plan, showing that His love and covenant are open to all who seek Him, regardless of their ethnic background. This reflects the universal scope of God's salvation plan, which is fully realized in the New Testament through Christ.

who join themselves to the LORD
The phrase "join themselves" comes from the Hebrew "לָוָה" (lavah), meaning to attach or bind oneself. This signifies a deep, committed relationship with God, akin to a covenantal bond. It implies a voluntary and wholehearted decision to align with God's people and His ways, emphasizing the personal choice and dedication required to follow the LORD.

to minister to Him
The Hebrew root "שָׁרַת" (sharat) means to serve or attend to. In the context of the Old Testament, this often referred to the Levitical duties in the temple. Here, it extends the privilege of service to those outside the traditional Israelite lineage, indicating that worship and service to God are not limited by heritage but are open to all who are devoted to Him.

to love the name of the LORD
Loving the name of the LORD involves reverence and adoration for God's character and reputation, as "name" in Hebrew culture encapsulates one's essence and authority. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through obedience and worship, reflecting a deep, personal relationship with God.

and to be His servants
The term "servants" (עֲבָדִים, avadim) denotes those who are in a position of service or worship. In biblical times, a servant was someone who was wholly devoted to their master's will. This phrase underscores the call to live a life of submission and dedication to God's purposes, highlighting the honor and responsibility of serving the Almighty.

all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it
The Sabbath, or "שַׁבָּת" (Shabbat), is a day of rest and worship instituted by God. To "keep" it means to observe it faithfully, while "profaning" (חָלַל, chalal) means to defile or treat it as common. Observing the Sabbath is a sign of covenant faithfulness, symbolizing trust in God's provision and a commitment to His commandments.

and who hold fast to My covenant
"Holding fast" (חָזַק, chazaq) implies a strong, unwavering grip. The "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) refers to the solemn agreement between God and His people. This phrase calls for steadfastness in faith and obedience, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to God's promises and commands. It reflects the enduring nature of God's relationship with those who are faithful to Him, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Foreigners
Non-Israelites who choose to follow the God of Israel. This term highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant, extending beyond ethnic Israel.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. It is to Him that the foreigners are joining themselves.

3. Sabbath
A day of rest and worship, instituted by God as a sign of His covenant with Israel. Observance of the Sabbath is a key aspect of faithfulness to God's covenant.

4. Covenant
The binding agreement between God and His people, which includes promises and obligations. In this context, it refers to the broader covenantal relationship that God offers to all who follow Him.

5. Servants
Those who dedicate themselves to serving God, indicating a life of devotion and obedience.
Teaching Points
Inclusivity of God's Covenant
God's covenant is open to all who choose to follow Him, regardless of their ethnic background. This challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ.

Commitment to Worship and Service
Joining oneself to the LORD involves a commitment to worship and serve Him. This calls us to evaluate our dedication to God in our daily lives.

Observance of the Sabbath
Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of faithfulness to God. While the specific observance may vary, the principle of rest and worship remains vital.

Holding Fast to God's Covenant
Faithfulness to God's covenant requires perseverance and dedication. We are encouraged to hold fast to our faith, even in challenging times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of foreigners in Isaiah 56:6 challenge our understanding of who can be part of God's people today?

2. In what ways can we "join ourselves to the LORD" in our modern context, and what does that look like practically?

3. How can the principle of Sabbath rest be applied in our busy lives, and why is it important for our spiritual health?

4. What are some ways we can serve God and others in our communities, reflecting the commitment of being His servants?

5. How does the concept of holding fast to God's covenant encourage us in times of doubt or difficulty, and what other scriptures can we turn to for support?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:8-11
The commandment to keep the Sabbath, which is a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

Ruth 1:16-17
Ruth, a Moabite, exemplifies a foreigner who joins herself to the LORD, showing loyalty and faithfulness.

Acts 10
The account of Cornelius, a Gentile who receives the Holy Spirit, illustrating the inclusion of non-Jews in God's plan.

Galatians 3:28
Paul speaks of the unity in Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, emphasizing the inclusivity of the Gospel.
ServiceW.M. Statham Isaiah 56:6
The True Observance of the SabbathE. Johnson Isaiah 56:1-8
The Open GateW. Clarkson Isaiah 56:3-8
Disabled Ones Sharing Divine BlessingsR. Tuck Isaiah 56:4-6
Characteristics and Privileges of God's PeopleJ. Gemmel, M. A.Isaiah 56:4-7
Holding Fast by God's CovenantJ. A. Alexander.Isaiah 56:4-7
Taking Hold of God's CovenantJ. Trapp.Isaiah 56:4-7
Taking Hold of God's CovenantIsaiah 56:4-7
Gentiles Enjoying God's FavourJ. Orton.Isaiah 56:6-7
The Rewards of God's ServantsR. Watson.Isaiah 56:6-7
People
Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Agreement, Alien, Aliens, Bind, Covenant, Desecrating, Fast, Foreigners, Hold, Holdeth, Holds, Holy, Honour, Join, Joined, Keeper, Keepeth, Keeping, Keeps, Love, Minister, Polluting, Profane, Profaning, Sabbath, Servants, Serve, Sons, Strange, Stranger, Taketh, Themselves, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 56:6

     7160   servants of the Lord

Isaiah 56:3-7

     7271   Zion, as symbol

Isaiah 56:4-7

     7470   temple, significance

Isaiah 56:6-7

     6603   acceptance, divine
     7436   sacrifice, NT fulfilment
     8208   commitment, to God
     8271   holiness, purpose

Isaiah 56:6-8

     7031   unity, God's goal
     7145   remnant
     7511   Gentiles, in OT
     7949   mission, of Israel
     8151   revival, corporate

Library
We Sure of To-Morrow? a New Year's Sermon
'To-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.'--ISAIAH lvi. 12. These words, as they stand, are the call of boon companions to new revelry. They are part of the prophet's picture of a corrupt age when the men of influence and position had thrown away their sense of duty, and had given themselves over, as aristocracies and plutocracies are ever tempted to do, to mere luxury and good living. They are summoning one another to their coarse orgies. The roystering speaker says, 'Do not be afraid
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to the riches of His mercy has at least preserved this one sacrament in His Church uninjured and uncontaminated by the devices of men, and has made it free to all nations and to men of every class. He has not suffered it to be overwhelmed with the foul and impious monstrosities of avarice and superstition; doubtless having this purpose, that He would have little children, incapable of avarice and superstition, to be initiated into
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Nor Indeed Hath the Holy Spirit Failed to Speak what Should be of Open...
25. Nor indeed hath the Holy Spirit failed to speak what should be of open and unshaken avail against these men, most shamelessly and madly obstinate, and should repel their assault, as of wild beasts, from His sheep-fold, by defences that may not be stormed. For, after He had said concerning eunuchs, "I will give unto them in My house and in My wall a named place, much better than of sons and daughters;" [2069] lest any too carnal should think that there was any thing temporal to be hoped for in
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The House of Prayer. --Isaiah Lvi. 7
The House of Prayer.--Isaiah lvi. 7. "My House shall be an House of Prayer For all that live, to worship there:" Thus saith the Lord:--how answer we? "Thine House, our House of Prayer shall be." "Wherever I my Name record, There will I meet Thee," saith the Lord; Thee in Thine House of Prayer we meet; Now bless us from the Mercy-seat. Thus spake the Lord--"My Son, to Thee Swear every tongue, bow every knee:" Father, by us Thy will be done, We bow the knee and "Kiss the Son." His throne and kingdom
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Lastly, Let us Hear the Lord Himself Delivering Most Plain Judgment on this Matter. ...
23. Lastly, let us hear the Lord Himself delivering most plain judgment on this matter. For, upon His speaking after a divine and fearful manner concerning husband and wife not separating, save on account of fornication, His disciples said to Him, "If the case be such with a wife, it is not good to marry." [2066] To whom He saith, "Not all receive this saying. For there are eunuchs who were so born: but there are others who were made by men: and there are eunuchs, who made themselves eunuchs for
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority.
No one presumes to teach an art till he has first, with intent meditation, learnt it. What rashness is it, then, for the unskilful to assume pastoral authority, since the government of souls is the art of arts! For who can be ignorant that the sores of the thoughts of men are more occult than the sores of the bowels? And yet how often do men who have no knowledge whatever of spiritual precepts fearlessly profess themselves physicians of the heart, though those who are ignorant of the effect of
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The History of the Prophetic Sermons, Epistles, and Apocalypses
[Sidenote: Real character and aims of the prophets] To understand and rightly interpret the prophetic writings of the Old Testament it is necessary to cast aside a false impression as to the character of the prophets which is widely prevalent. They were not foretellers, but forth-tellers. Instead of being vague dreamers, in imagination living far in the distant future, they were most emphatically men of their own times, enlightened and devoted patriots, social and ethical reformers, and spiritual
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins of the Flesh, and those who have Not.
(Admonition 29.) Differently to be admonished are those who are conscious of sins of the flesh, and those who know them not. For those who have had experience of the sins of the flesh are to be admonished that, at any rate after shipwreck, they should fear the sea, and feel horror at their risk of perdition at least when it has become known to them; lest, having been mercifully preserved after evil deeds committed, by wickedly repeating the same they die. Whence to the soul that sins and never
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the Spirit is Life Because of Righteousness. "
Rom. viii. 10.--"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." God's presence is his working. His presence in a soul by his Spirit is his working in such a soul in some special manner, not common to all men, but peculiar to them whom he hath chosen. Now his dwelling is nothing else but a continued, familiar and endless working in a soul, till he hath conformed all within to the image of his Son. The soul is the office house, or workhouse,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Ye Also who have not yet Made this Vow...
30. Ye also who have not yet made this vow, who are able to receive it, receive it. [2093] Run with perseverance, that ye may obtain. [2094] Take ye each his sacrifices, and enter ye into the courts [2095] of the Lord, not of necessity, having power over your own will. [2096] For not as, "Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill," [2097] can it so be said, Thou shalt not wed. The former are demanded, the latter are offered. If the latter are done, they are praised: unless the former are
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
(Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. Monday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 18, 19, 12, 13; ^B Mark XI. 12-18; ^C Luke XIX. 45-48. ^b 12 And ^a 18 Now ^b on the morrow [on the Monday following the triumphal entry], ^a in the morning ^b when they were come out from Bethany, ^a as he returned to the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [Breakfast with the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord's ministry were full of activity that did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it. Our
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Ten Reasons Demonstrating the Commandment of the Sabbath to be Moral.
1. Because all the reasons of this commandment are moral and perpetual; and God has bound us to the obedience of this commandment with more forcible reasons than to any of the rest--First, because he foresaw that irreligious men would either more carelessly neglect, or more boldly break this commandment than any other; secondly, because that in the practice of this commandment the keeping of all the other consists; which makes God so often complain that all his worship is neglected or overthrown,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Links
Isaiah 56:6 NIV
Isaiah 56:6 NLT
Isaiah 56:6 ESV
Isaiah 56:6 NASB
Isaiah 56:6 KJV

Isaiah 56:6 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Isaiah 56:5
Top of Page
Top of Page