Meaning of Isaiah 56:6

Isaiah 56:6 presents a profound expansion of God's covenant community, extending an invitation of full participation to Gentiles (foreigners) who demonstrate genuine devotion. In the context of post-exilic Judah, where the emphasis on maintaining a distinct national and religious identity was strong, this verse is revolutionary. It signifies that adherence to the covenant is not solely determined by ethnic lineage but by a commitment to the Lord's name, his service, the sanctity of the Sabbath, and the steadfast keeping of his covenant. This inclusivity challenges the prevailing exclusivist tendencies and points towards a future where God's people are not defined by blood but by faith and obedience.

Context and Background

Following the Babylonian exile, the returned Jewish community was tasked with rebuilding both their physical Temple and their religious and social structures. This period saw a heightened awareness of the boundaries between Israel and surrounding nations, often leading to a desire to prevent assimilation and maintain religious purity. However, prophetic voices like Isaiah's served to broaden this perspective, reminding the people that God's redemptive plan was ultimately for all nations. The mention of "foreigners" here is significant, as it directly addresses the issue of non-Israelites who might desire to worship the God of Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

• Inclusivity of the Covenant: The primary message is that the covenant is open to all who are willing to embrace it wholeheartedly, regardless of their ethnic origin.
• Genuine Devotion: The conditions for inclusion are spiritual and ethical: binding oneself to the Lord, ministering to Him, loving His name, and being His servant. These are not superficial acts but expressions of an inner disposition.
• Observance of the Sabbath: The specific mention of keeping the Sabbath without desecrating it highlights its importance as a sign of the covenant and a practice that unites the community in worship and rest.
• Faithfulness to the Covenant: Holding fast to the covenant signifies a commitment to God's promises and commands, demonstrating a stable and enduring relationship with Him.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a powerful glimpse into God's universal salvific purpose. It teaches that true worship and service are not bound by geographical or ethnic lines but by a sincere heart turned towards God. For believers today, it underscores the nature of the New Covenant established through Christ, which is open to all who believe. The emphasis on loving God's name and being His servant resonates with the Great Commandment and the call to discipleship. The principle of Sabbath observance, while understood differently in the New Testament, still points to the importance of dedicated time for worship and rest in God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Isaiah 56:6 acts as a pivotal marker in the unfolding story of God's redemptive plan. It foreshadows the inclusivity of the messianic age, where the Gospel would be preached to all nations. This verse aligns with earlier promises of blessing to all peoples through Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and later finds its ultimate fulfillment in the expansion of the Church, where Jew and Gentile are united in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). It bridges the gap between the Old Testament covenant community and the universal church of the New Testament.

Analogies

One could draw an analogy to a grand university that, while initially established for a specific group of scholars, opens its doors to brilliant minds from all over the world, recognizing talent and dedication over mere origin. Or, consider a family that, through adoption, welcomes individuals from outside their bloodline into the full rights and privileges of belonging, based on their commitment to the family's values and bonds.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 12:3: "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This foundational promise to Abraham finds a concrete expression in Isaiah's prophecy.
• Galatians 3:28-29: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise." This New Testament passage echoes the inclusivity proclaimed by Isaiah.
• Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." The Great Commission is the practical outworking of this prophetic vision of universal access to God's salvation.
• Acts 10: The conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, exemplifies the breaking down of ethnic barriers and the welcoming of Gentiles into the early Christian community.