Isa 56:2 | KingComments | STEP | The opening words of this chapter are a repetition of the admonition in the previous chapter ( ). The thoughts and ways of Israel are not those of the LORD ( ). The precious promises that follow in that chapter are an exhortation for those living in sin to leave their ways and for the unrighteous to give up their thoughts. In the previous chapter we heard the invitation – four times “come” – to receive the blessings of the new covenant. In the next two chapters, Isaiah 56-57, which is the final part of the second part, Isaiah 49-57, we can recognize the response to this invitation. First, in the pious nations who will be introduced into the kingdom of God, Isaiah 56:1-8, and second, in the wicked Israelites who will be banished from that same kingdom, Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:21. In these two groups we recognize the fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus to the centurion of Capernaum ( ). Let them “preserve justice” and “do righteousness” ( ). Then they will be in accordance with the attributes and actions that apply to God’s kingdom. The reason why they should do this is twofold: the kingdom will soon become public in salvation as well as in righteousness. When they realize how near His salvation is and that His righteous acts are about to be revealed, they will be encouraged to persevere. A special blessing is promised to him who keeps God’s commandment ( ). Of all God’s commandments, the sabbath commandment is mentioned here as an illustration of keeping God’s commandments. This is the best test of whether someone really wants to keep them. He who loves the LORD shall keep them. In addition, the sabbath is also a sign of the covenant ( ) in connection with the new covenant. Keeping the sabbath reveals the mind of the heart that wants to do righteousness. It is open, not only to the Israelites, but to every “son of man” ( ), i.e. also to those from the nations. Besides keeping from profaning the sabbath the LORD also speaks about keeping the hand from doing any evil. The hand speaks of deeds. He who lives internally (heart) and externally (hand) in accordance with God is “blessed”. For us, the sabbath is the peace in Christ, which we can only enjoy if our hand does not do evil.

‏ Isaiah 56:2

Introduction

The opening words of this chapter are a repetition of the admonition in the previous chapter (Isa 55:6-7). The thoughts and ways of Israel are not those of the LORD (Isa 55:8). The precious promises that follow in that chapter are an exhortation for those living in sin to leave their ways and for the unrighteous to give up their thoughts.

In the previous chapter we heard the invitation – four times “come” – to receive the blessings of the new covenant. In the next two chapters, Isaiah 56-57, which is the final part of the second part, Isaiah 49-57, we can recognize the response to this invitation. First, in the pious nations who will be introduced into the kingdom of God, Isaiah 56:1-8, and second, in the wicked Israelites who will be banished from that same kingdom, Isaiah 56:9 to Isaiah 57:21. In these two groups we recognize the fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus to the centurion of Capernaum (Mt 8:11-12 ; Mt 19:30).

Do Righteousness

Let them “preserve justice” and “do righteousness” (Isa 56:1). Then they will be in accordance with the attributes and actions that apply to God’s kingdom. The reason why they should do this is twofold: the kingdom will soon become public in salvation as well as in righteousness. When they realize how near His salvation is and that His righteous acts are about to be revealed, they will be encouraged to persevere.

A special blessing is promised to him who keeps God’s commandment (Isa 56:2). Of all God’s commandments, the sabbath commandment is mentioned here as an illustration of keeping God’s commandments. This is the best test of whether someone really wants to keep them. He who loves the LORD shall keep them. In addition, the sabbath is also a sign of the covenant (Eze 20:12) in connection with the new covenant. Keeping the sabbath reveals the mind of the heart that wants to do righteousness. It is open, not only to the Israelites, but to every “son of man” (Isa 56:2), i.e. also to those from the nations.

Besides keeping from profaning the sabbath the LORD also speaks about keeping the hand from doing any evil. The hand speaks of deeds. He who lives internally (heart) and externally (hand) in accordance with God is “blessed”.

For us, the sabbath is the peace in Christ, which we can only enjoy if our hand does not do evil.