Isaiah 56:6

Also the sonnes of the stranger that ioyne themselues to the Lord, to serue him, and to loue the Name of the Lord, to be his seruants, euery one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my Couenant: Isaiah 56:6 (KJV)

Historical and Contextual Background:

The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah during a time of great turmoil in Israel. The people had turned away from God, and Isaiah’s prophecies contained warnings of judgment and promises of restoration. In this verse Isaiah addresses the inclusion of foreigners, called “the sons of the stranger,” into the covenant community of God’s people.

The Inclusion of Gentiles:

Isaiah 56:6 highlights the inclusive nature of God’s salvation. Although the Old Testament initially chose Israel as God’s people and established a covenant with them, Isaiah reveals that God’s plan extends beyond the Israelites. God welcomes the “sons of the stranger” or foreigners who embrace Him and His covenant, showing that the invitation to salvation is not limited to a particular ethnic group but is open to all who come with genuine faith and obedience.

Conditions for Inclusion:

Isaiah mentions two conditions for the inclusion of the “sons of the stranger” into God’s covenant community.

a) Joining and Serving the Lord: They must willingly join themselves to the Lord and serve Him, indicating a voluntary commitment to follow God, acknowledge Him as Lord, and submit to His will.

b) Keeping the Sabbath and Holding onto God’s Covenant: Observance of the Sabbath is presented as a sign of devotion and obedience, symbolizing a commitment to set aside time for worship and to honor God’s commandments. Taking hold of the covenant means embracing and living according to God’s laws and principles.

Spiritual Application:

Isaiah 56:6 teaches several valuable spiritual lessons.

God’s Inclusive Love: God’s invitation to salvation extends to all people, regardless of background, ethnicity, or nationality. He desires that everyone come to Him and be part of His covenant community.

Faith and Obedience: True inclusion in God’s kingdom comes through faith and obedience. It involves wholeheartedly serving and loving the Lord, observing His commandments, and holding onto His covenant.

The Sabbath: While Sabbath observance was given specifically to the Israelites, it also signifies the importance of setting aside time for worship, rest, and communion with God. It reminds believers of the need for spiritual renewal and dedication to God.

Overall, Isaiah 56:6 emphasizes God’s inclusive love and His desire for people from all nations to join themselves to Him and be part of His covenant community. It underscores the importance of faith, obedience, devotion to God’s commandments, and the significance of regular worship and spiritual renewal.