What does Isaiah 56:6 mean?
"Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;" - Isaiah 56:6
Isaiah 56:6 (KJV) – “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant.”
The Book of Isaiah is a powerful and prophetic book in the Old Testament of the Bible that is often quoted and referenced by Christians and Jews alike. This particular verse, Isaiah 56:6, speaks to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the acceptance of all who seek to serve and love the Lord, regardless of their background or origin.
The verse begins by referring to “the sons of the stranger,” which in the context of the time would have likely been a reference to foreigners or non-Israelites. This signals a departure from the exclusivity of God's covenant with the Israelites to a more inclusive and open invitation to all who desire to join themselves to the Lord.
The verse then goes on to describe the characteristics of those who seek to join themselves to the Lord. They are those who serve Him, love His name, and are committed to being His servants. This shows that it is not just a superficial affiliation, but a deep and dedicated commitment to the Lord and His ways.
Another important aspect of this verse is the reference to keeping the Sabbath and not polluting it. The Sabbath was a sacred day of rest and worship for the Israelites, and by including this in the description of those who join themselves to the Lord, it emphasizes the importance of honoring and observing the commandments of God.
The verse concludes with a mention of taking hold of God's covenant, which further emphasizes the seriousness and commitment required of those who seek to be part of God's kingdom. This covenant represents the relationship and agreement between God and His people, and those who take hold of it are making a solemn pledge to uphold their end of the relationship.
Overall, this verse from Isaiah 56 is a powerful declaration of God's inclusive and accepting nature. It speaks to the universal invitation to all people to join themselves to the Lord and serve Him with love and dedication. Regardless of one's background or nationality, this verse affirms that those who seek the Lord and honor His commandments are welcomed into His kingdom.
This message of inclusivity and acceptance is a timeless and pertinent theme that resonates with readers of the Bible today. In a world that often divides people based on their differences, this verse serves as a reminder that in the eyes of God, all are welcome and valued equally.
In a broader context, this verse also speaks to the overarching theme of God's redemptive plan for all of humanity. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent message of God's desire to reconcile and restore His creation, and this verse in Isaiah is a reflection of that overarching narrative.
Symbolically, this verse represents the hope and promise of salvation for all who seek the Lord. It is a reminder that God's grace and mercy are extended to all, and that His kingdom is open to those who come to Him with sincere hearts and a desire to serve Him.
In conclusion, Isaiah 56:6 is a significant and powerful verse that carries a message of inclusivity, acceptance, and the universal invitation to join in God's redemptive plan. It serves as a reminder of the open arms of God and the promise of salvation for all who seek Him with sincerity and dedication.
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Isaiah 56:6 - "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;"
"Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;" - Isaiah 56:6
Isaiah 56:3-5
Isaiah 56:9 - "¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest."
1 Chronicles 6:56 - "But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh."
Isaiah 56:10 - "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber."
John 6:56 - "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him."
Psalms 56:6 - "They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul."
Isaiah 56:12 - "Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant."
Isaiah 56:1 - "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed."
Isaiah 56:4 - "For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;"
Isaiah 56:8 - "The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Isaiah 56:2 - "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil."
Isaiah 56:9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour, All you beasts in the forest.
Isaiah 56:11 - "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
Isaiah 56:5 - "Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
"¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest." - Isaiah 56:9
"But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh." - 1 Chronicles 6:56
Isaiah 56:3 - "¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree."
"He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." - John 6:56
Mark 6:56 - "And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole."
Isaiah 56:7 - "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 accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."
"They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul." - Psalms 56:6
"His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber." - Isaiah 56:10
"Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." - Isaiah 56:1
isaiah 6:6
Isaiah 56:7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
"For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;" - Isaiah 56:4
Isaiah 56:1-2 - "This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”"
"The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him." - Isaiah 56:8