HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Book of Isaiah
Chapter 56

Chapters 49-57 give us God’s gracious provision of redemption. This second section (chapters 49-57) points to an effective cure for their (and our) real problems. On the outside, their exile would seem to be the bad guy ruining their lives. If from section one they can understand that their judgment is because of their own sin, then they will look for relief not only in a return to their homeland but in the healing of their sins, and ONLY God alone can provide this healing.

Although they are comforted about their return to Palestine, it is just a small part of the complete worldwide plan of healing that Almighty God will provide through His gracious and Humble Servant. The Servant serves as the Center of Hope in these chapters. Because of this awesome Servant, Israel can be assured that God has NOT forsaken them, nor will He ever forsake them (Jer.31:35-37). Dear one, Israel is here to stay! In reality, the Servant will lead ALL nations to serve God. Slowly this Majestic Servant is introduced. His work is not easy, but He finds strength in the LORD God.

Through the multitude of verses describing the Suffering Servant, the Israelites (and we as well), should begin to realize the cost of salvation. It is easy enough to arrange for their passage back to Judah as the first section emphasized using Cyrus the Persian emperor as His servant. But, this Suffering Servant, brings God’s people back through sufferings which climax with His death on the cross, and in this way He has become their Saviour (and ours). He died for their sins. What should have been OUR sufferings, became His sufferings. Do you honestly realize just what Jesus did for us? For you and for me? And because He faithfully did and does His work, He prospers and leads all those who are made righteous (justified) by Him (Rom.3:24; 5:1, 9).

God ever so patiently taught the Jews that His plan was to incorporate people all around the world. The many was to include people from all around the world . . . Jews AND Gentiles! The every one in chapter 55:1 is all-encompassing. Chapter 56 deliberately assures these strangers (Gentiles) not to feel inferior or unimportant. Consider the following:
#1. Man looks for political freedom; God provides spiritual freedom in the Kingdom of God.
#2. Man thinks only of his own race. God helps people from every tongue and race.

How great and immeasurable is God’s grace! Chapter 57 brings us back to the operating table. God spreads out our wickedness right before our eyes, and IF you sincerely want salvation of your soul, and long for hope of everlasting life, you must be willing to hear what the LORD has to say to you. Are you listening???
Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV)
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (KJV) . . . This is very important, because Jesus says it again!
Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (KJV)

Ch.40-48: Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV)  
Ch.49-57: Isaiah 57:21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. (KJV)   
Ch.58-66: Isaiah 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. (KJV)  

All three of these last sections end with the same idea . . . there shall be no peace, to the wicked. The Messiah brings peace, but any and all who reject Him will NEVER know peace. Turning TO idols is turning AWAY from the Messiah. As we have seen, this section has majored in a condemnation and rebuke of idolatry. Idolatry is a road that leads to Babylon. The LORD, in the Book of Isaiah, is traveling the lonely road to Calvary. BEWARE!!! ALL idolatry and witchcraft are an abomination to the LORD: (Deut.27:15; 1 Ki.11:7; 23:13; Isa.44:19; Jer.32:35; Eze.18:12; Dan.12:11; Mal.2:11; Rev.21:27)         

ISAIAH 56 parallels with TITUS. Isaiah 56 speaks of God's rest. It is also a picture of the Millennial rest. Titus tells us how to enter into God's rest. Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, We are admonished in Titus, while we are resting, to do good works. 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. Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. We are to maintain (keep up) good works.

Isaiah Chapter 56 contains a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles, and their succession to the church, and of the corrupt state of the church afterwards, especially of its rulers, which brought in men compared to wild beasts that devour. It begins with an appeal to the duties of judgment and justice, enforced by the nearness of Christ's salvation, and the clear relation of His righteousness in the Gospel, and by the blessedness of the man that does those duties, and lays hold on those blessings, and observes the whole of religion, established and moral (vs.1),  when encouragement is given to eunuchs, and strangers (Gentiles), sensible and religious persons, have hope of acceptance by God, and that they shall be welcome to His House, with an answer to their objections, and Promises of special favors (vs.3), to which is added a Promise or prophecy of future additions, both of Jews and Gentiles, to the church of God in the latter day (vs.8), and then follows a call upon those savage people (blind, ignorant and greedy watchmen) who are compared to wild beasts, to come and devour, which will precede the above prophecy (vs.9), the reason being the wretched corruption of the rulers of the church, their ignorance, negligence, avarice and drunkenness (vs.10).

Theme: Outstanding particulars of the future Kingdom; predicament of the present kingdom.

This Chapter follows a pattern that goes back to that amazing Isaiah Chapter 53, which tells us of the salvation of the LORD provided for lost mankind by the Sacrifice of His only begotten Son upon the Cross.

Isaiah now returns to the nation of Israel and is speaking to his own people, the Jews. What we have in this chapter is not a retreat to Mount Sinai (as some think) but instead a majestic victory march into the Millennium Kingdom! It is common-sense of what has preceded. It refers mainly to Israel, but radiates out into a wide circle of global advantages and benefits . . . all of which rests on the new covenant which God has made with Israel. It will be the blessing for the Earth in the future. At the time of Isaiah the Mosaic Law was existent . . . BUT the Lord Jesus lifted that Law to the highest degree in His Sermon on the Mount, and it shall be strictly enforced in the Earth in the last days because Christ will be KING! It will be His will and it will be His Law. . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.godcannotlie.org/sermon_on_the_mount_intro.htm

The importance in this chapter is on beliefs, morals and integrity, not on events. The emphasis is on practice, not prophecy, and all of this should impact how we live today. The study of prophecy should NOT be to entertain the curious . . . it should instead encourage holy living.
1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (KJV) . . . The study of prophecy should give us a purifying hope.

Isaiah now is looking forward into the Kingdom Age, the Millennium. The Lord Jesus is reigning as King (Ps.2; Isa.11:6-9; 35:1-10; 65:17-25; Rev.20:1-15). When our LORD lifted the Mosaic Law to the highest degree in His Sermon on the Mount, it shall be absolutely impossible for anyone to be saved by keeping the Law. Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.(KJV) . . . Dear one, on this basis, very few of us would escape. So . . . HOW are people going to be saved? We have a Saviour who saves us, but when He reigns as King on Earth, there will be NO hijacking of cars or planes, NO kidnapping, NO murder, NO stealing, NO mugging, NO sexual violence, NO drugs, NO fear of his neighbor, etc., etc. We will be able to walk in safety down any street in Jerusalem! The Earth will be a safe place in that day. Every man will dwell in peace under his own vine and fig tree, which means he is going to have to forget about handouts from the government! No work, no eat! 2 Thes. 3:10-12  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. (KJV) . . . The LORD condemns laziness: (Pro.6:6-11; 10:4-5, 26; 12:9, 24, 27; 13:4, 23; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4, 13. 21:25-26; 22:13; 23:21; 24:30-34; 26:13-16; Ecc.4:5; 10:18; Isa.56:10; Eze.16:49; Mat.20:6-7; Lk.19:20-25; Rom.12:11; 1 Tim.5:13; 2 Thes.3:10-12; Heb.6:12).

Grand Particulars of the Future Kingdom (56:1-8)

The first 8 verses of this chapter, seem to some, to belong to the foregoing prophecy. From the consideration of God's Promises made to them, He moved them to perform their duty to Him.

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. (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice . . . do justice and judgment, this phrase elsewhere means the duties which one man owes to another (Gen.18:19; 1 Ki.10:9; 2 Chron. 9:8; Pro.21:3; Jer.22:15); but here it seems to mean the duties which men owe to God, as it is explained in the following verses.
For my salvation is near to come . . . my salvation; the outstanding salvation by the Messiah, which is mainly promised and insisted upon in the previous chapters; for which it is fitting for you to prepare yourselves, and in which, without salvation, you shall have no benefit, no reward nor share. Is near to come, the Scripture speaks of things which are a great distance off, as if they were present or at hand (Dan.10:1, 14; 11:27, 35; Hab.2:3; Jam.5:8-9; Rev.22:20).
#1. The Gospel salvation is the salvation of the LORD. It was brought about by Him; and He glories in it as His.
#2. In that salvation, God's righteousness is revealed, which makes the Gospel so beautiful!
Because in the Gospel, the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith (Rom.1:17). The Law revealed that the righteousness of God is that by which all sinners stand condemned, but the Gospel reveals that by which all believers stand not guilty.
#3. The Old-Testament saints saw this salvation coming, and drawing near to them, long before it came; and they had notice of it by the prophets, of its approach. Just as Daniel understood by Jeremiah's books that the approach of the redemption out of Babylon, at the end of seventy years (Jer.25:11-12), so others understood by Daniel's books, that the approach of our redemption by Christ was at the end of seventy weeks of years (Dan.9:26-27).
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_daniel_ch9.htm
And my righteousness to be revealed . . . my righteousness, the same thing which he had called salvation, he here calls his righteousness, because it is a clear demonstration of God's righteousness, as in the fulfilling of His Promises, so too in the punishment of sin, and in the salvation of sinners upon just and honorable terms.

*****My salvation is near to come . . . it seems that the prophets expected the Kingdom to be established immediately. Although they made allowance for the possibility of an interval, they speak of it in the immediate future. Salvation, I believe is meant the national salvation of Israel. This is what I think was in the mind of the apostle Paul: Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (KJV) . . . I think that anticipating the coming salvation was to encourage them to do justice . . . just as our hope of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Rapture is a reason today to lead a holy life . . . . . . . . . http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_signs_rapture.htm
http://hisservants.org/rapture,_second_coming_h_s.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_1.pre-trib_rapture_why_I_believe.html

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. (KJV)

Blessed is the man that doth this . . . blessed is the man; every man, not only Jews, but Gentiles, or strangers, as it is explained in the following verses. Blessed is the man that does justice, and keeps judgment; a man should always exercise a good conscience towards both God and men; for he enjoys fellowship with God in his ways, worship, and ordinances he attends to, and has  proof of his right to eternal happiness in Heaven (Jn.20:31; Tit.1:2; 2:13; 3:7; 1 Jn.5:13).  
And the son of man that layeth hold on it . . . on the salvation of Christ, and His righteousness; which presumes a sense of the inadequacy of a man's own righteousness, a view of the excellency and importance of Christ's righteousness; and expresses a firm and strong act of faith in it, embracing and retaining it as a his own righteousness (Rom.5:1-2).
That keepeth the sabbath from polluting it . . . by doing any work on it, and attending all the religious duties, private or public. This is put for the whole of established worship under the Gospel dispensation, and for any day or time in which the Gospel church of Christ meet together for religious worship.  
And keepeth his hand from doing any evil . . . the hand is the great instrument of action, can be put for all the kinds and means of evil (Gen.4:11; 9:2; 16:12; 27:17; 32:11; 37:27). From doing any evil to one's neighbor, as it is more fully expressed in Psalm 15. To commit any sin against man is to sin against God. Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (KJV) . . .  http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_acts_ch9.htm
The Hand of the LORD: (Num.11:23; Josh.4:24; 1 Sam.5:6; 7:13; 1 Ki.18:46; Isa.59:1; Acts 11:21).
That keepeth the sabbath, from polluting it . . . they must guard the Sabbath from heresies; and not defile it, either by forbidden practices, or by the neglect of commanded duties. The Sabbath seems to be put here, as sacrifice is elsewhere, because the whole worship of God, is very important.

*****This is for a people who believe that they are back under the Sabbath. The Sabbath will be restored to this Earth during the Millennium, but during this present day of grace (Rom.6:14), we are definitely told: Col. 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (KJV) . . . IF a person insists on respecting the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday), and not the Lord’s Day (Sunday), they must respect ALL the Jewish Sabbaths!  
http://www.hisservants.org/israel_sabbath_h_s.htm
http://hisservants.org/ten_commandments_h_s.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/ld_judgments_israel.htm

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. (KJV)

Neither let the son of the stranger . . . the stranger is a Gentile by birth, being the son of one that is an alien from the commonwealth of Israel, a stranger from the Covenants of Promise, and so had no right to come into the congregation of the LORD under the former dispensation; but now the middle wall of partition being broken down. In the last days, the times to which this prophecy belongs, strangers are encouraged to expect admission.
That hath joined himself to the LORD, speak saying . . . that has turned away from ridiculous idols to the TRUE and living God, and to the TRUE religion; for these shall be as acceptable to the LORD as the Israelites themselves, for the wall between Jews and Gentiles shall be taken down (Gal.3:26-29), and repentance and remission of sins shall be preached and offered to men of all nations. All who desire a spiritual knowledge of Christ, all who love him, all who believe in Him, all who gives himself over to Him, and is willing to walk in His ways and decrees, and cleaves to Him with all his heart, soul mind and strength (Mat.22:36-40; Mk.12:29-30) are joined to Him!  
Saying, the LORD hath utterly separated me from his people . . . by a law of His (Deut.23:3), but now the wall of separation (the ceremonial law), is destroyed, and the LORD declares Himself to be the God of the Gentiles, as well as of the Jews (Gal.3:26-29); and of all that fear God, and believe in Christ, of every nation, who are accepted with Him; and that they are all one in Christ (1 Cor.8:6; Gal.3:28; Eph.1:10). Jews and Gentiles are all partakers of the same Promises and Blessings; be they strangers and the sons of strangers, they now have an inheritance among the children of Israel in Gospel times (Eze.47:22).  
Neither let the eunuch say, behold, I am a dry tree . . . the foreigner (stranger) and eunuch, should no longer feel hopeless, considering themselves lifeless or fruitless. ALL who sincerely seek the Lord (Isa.55:6), would find Him, and be accepted by Him (Ex.12:48-50). God’s exclusion of strangers and eunuchs from Israel’s public worship (Deut.23:1-8) was not because these types of people were basically evil and therefore unacceptable to Him. God excluded strangers because He wanted to teach His people that opposition to His will and His people has permanent results. He excluded eunuchs because He wanted His people to learn that destruction of sexual organs that He created has consequences. These consequences affected their worship of the Holy One of Israel, as well as their public life and their private life. Ruth (Ruth 1:4) and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27), are proof that the LORD accepts people on the basis of their faith in Him . . . no matter what their ancestry or personal history. Gentiles and disabled Israelites could enjoy the blessings of God’s salvation (personal salvation and Millennial blessings in the last days) along with the believing Israelites. This passage helps us understand the qualifications for elders and deacons in the New Testament. While the office may be closed to a particular individual because of acts he committed previously that have continuing consequences, he is fully acceptable to God and capable of serving Him in equally important ministries. In the Bible, a eunuch is usually a man who has been castrated.

*****The Gentile is not to feel that he is an outsider because of God's arrangement with Israel. Quite the opposite, he is invited to step up and share all the blessings that the LORD makes available because of His marvelous love and grace. A eunuch in the Old Testament could not serve as a priest under the Mosaic Law . . . but dear one, there are absolutely NO physical handicaps that will shut anyone out in the last days.

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; (KJV)

For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths . . . the eunuchs that fear (reverence and respect) the LORD and serve Him; faithfully observe all times of divine worship, and walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD. They highly regard the Gospel, and perform all religious exercises, private and public, on the LORD'S days, and at other times.
And choose the things that please me . . . they who do those things which are well pleasing to God, which He has declared in His Word to be acceptable to Him; and do that from right feelings, with right views, because they want to; not being forced to it by those who have authority over them, or led to it simply by tradition.
And take hold of my covenant . . . not the covenant of circumcision, as some say, for eunuchs had nothing to do with that. This means the covenant of grace, the everlasting covenant, the covenant of peace before spoken (Isa,14:10), made between the Father and the Son, because of the elect; which may be said to be taken hold of when a person by faith claims his interest in God as his covenant God; comes to Christ as the Mediator of the covenant; and deals with His precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19), His righteousness (1 Cor.1:30), His Sacrifice (Jn.1:29; Rom.3:25; 8:3; Gal.2:21; Heb.7:27; 9:28; 1 Jn.2:2; 4:10), for our pardon (Heb.8:12; 10:17),  justification (Rom.3:24; 5:1), and atonement (Rom.5:11); and regards ALL the Promises and blessings of the covenant as belonging to Christ Jesus, and lives by faith in them, as David by faith laid hold on this covenant (2 Sam.23:5).
http://www.hisservants.org/father_son_covenants_h_s.htm

Seven things that establish righteousness:
#1. Keeping the Sabbaths (all Sabbaths, NOT just the weekly one (vs.4-6).
#2. Choosing to do things that please God.
#3. Believing and taking hold of His Covenant.
#4. Joining to the LORD (vs.6).
#5. Willingly and cheerfully serving Him.
#6. Loving the Name of the LORD, never blaspheming it.  
#7. Being His servant (Mat.28:19-20).

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. (KJV)

Even to them will I give in mine house and within my walls . . . In mine house, in the Temple, eunuchs were not allowed serve in the Temple as priests according to the Law (Lev.21:17; Deut.23:1). Will I give in mine house . . . meaning that eunuchs and strangers (vs.3), shall be admitted to all the privileges of entering God’s House of prayer, and being considered as His true worshippers, and this shall be to them a more priceless privilege than would be any earthly advantages. House here refers without a doubt to the Temple, regarded as symbolic of the place of public worship in all ages. Within my walls . . . the walls of the city where God dwelt, which refer mainly to the walls of Jerusalem. The eunuchs and strangers would be permitted to dwell with God, and be admitted to ALL the privileges of others. ALL people, of all classes and all conditions, under the reign of the Messiah, shall be seen in His Eyes as on the same level, and entitled to equal advantages as the Jews (Gal.3:26-29). There shall be NO religious disabilities arising from class, age, country, color or rank of life. Anyone with any physical defect shall not on that account be excluded from His favor, or be seen as not entitled to His offers of love and mercy. The lame, the blind; the person of color, the red man of the woods; the Islander . . . ALL shall be regarded as the same, and are invited to participate in the gracious favor of the LORD. In the Targum, it is, in the house of my sanctuary, and in the land of the house of my Shekinah. Shekinah Scriptures: (Ex.13:21-22; 24:16-18; 25:22; 29:43; 40:34-38; Lev.9:6, 23; 16:2; Num.5-23; 10:11-36; 14:10; 16:19, 42; Ps.18:7-15; Eze.9:3; 10:3, 18-19; 11:22; Hag.2:9. Zec.2:5; Lk.2:9).
A place and a name better than of sons and of daughters . . . a place of entrance and admission into His House, a place to dwell in continually, a place of honor and pleasure; a place of comfort, rest and quiet; a place of fullness at the table of the LORD. And a name (Isa.62:2; Rev.2:17; 3:12), a new name from the LORD, a new name, not of office, for all in the Kingdom are not officers; nor a mere name in a church book, but a good name, as a church member, and such a one is he who keeps his place in the church; seeking to maintain peace and brotherly love in it; and is ready to contribute according to his ability for the support of it; and whose lifestyle is suitable to the Gospel of Christ. A name better than of sons and of daughters.
And I will give them an everlasting name . . . their memory shall not perish. They shall be admitted to eternal and unmovable honors . . . the everlasting honor of being treated as the friends of God’s House. They shalt be admitted to all the privileges of entering His House of prayer, and of being regarded as true worshippers of the LORD.

Twelve rewards for Obedience:
#1. Salvation (vs.1)
#2. Righteousness (vs.1)
#3. Happiness (vs.2)
#4. United with God's people (vs.3)
#5. Choosing things that please God (vs.4)
#6. Access to God's House (vs.5)
#7. A sure place in God's City (vs.5)
#8. A name better than that of sons and of daughters (vs.5)
#9. An everlasting name (vs.5)
#10. Access to God's Holy Mountain (vs.7)
#11. Joy in the House of Prayer (vs.7)
#12. God’s acceptance of sacrifices to Him (vs.7)

*****The handicapped in any way, strangers and all outcasts are invited to accept God's gracious proposal of a position that is better than a son or daughter and a security that is everlasting. This is something that the Law did not give. Isaiah is speaking about the Millennium Kingdom in the last days.

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; (KJV)

Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the LORD . . . having answered the objection and removed the discouragement of the eunuch, he now returns to the sons of the stranger, who also join themselves to the LORD, as the eunuch had done (vs.4).
To serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants . . . who give themselves over to the LORD, not only to be saved by Him, but to serve Him in righteousness and holiness, with reverence and godly fear (reverence), and from a deep heart-felt love to Him; considering and desiring it an honor, to be His servants.
Every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant . . . see verse 4.

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. (KJV)

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain . . . the Church in the last days is called a mountain for its height, visibility and immovableness (Isa.2:2-4). The TRUE members of the Church being are those who are sincerely interested in the unchangeable love of God (Mal.3:6; Rom.8:35-39; Heb.13;8; Jam.1:17). The holy mountain is Jerusalem, which is the Church in the last days (Isa.11:9; 56:7; 57:13; 65:1, 25; 66:20; Eze.20:40; 28:14; Dan.9:16, 20; 11:45; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Oba.1:16; Zep.3:11; Zec.8:3). For TRUE members of the Church, see: http://www.godcannotlie.org/true_children_of_god.htm There are TRUE members of the family of God (possessors of Christ), and there are hypocrites (saying they are Christians). The LORD knows which is which.
And make them joyful in my house of prayer . . . make them joyful by accepting their services, and comforting their hearts with the sense of the LORD’S gracious love, and pouring out incredible blessings of grace and glory upon them. In my house of prayer in His Temple, in which prayers are daily made and directed to Him (1 Ki.8:28-29).
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar . . . they shall have free access to God’s House and altar as the Jews had, and their services shall be just as acceptable to Him as the Jews. Mine altar which is Christ, Who not only is the Priest that offers up the sacrifices of His people, but is also the Altar on which they are offered up (Heb.9:11; 10:21; 13:10). He is the only One, and the most Holy One, which is Greater than the gift, and sanctifies every gift that is upon it, making both the persons and the offerings of the LORD'S people acceptable unto God. These offerings and sacrifices are not meant to be legal but instead spiritual ones; good deeds, acts of kindness, rightly performed, with which sacrifices God is well pleased; sacrifices of prayer and praise; and even the persons of saints themselves, their bodies and their souls, when presented, a holy, living, and acceptable sacrifice unto God (Rom.12:1; Heb.13:15).
For mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people . . . all people, Gentiles as well as Jews; the sons of the strangers, all are welcome to the Gospel Church of God, to come and worship, and pray to the LORD, and that is in any place where the saints meet together; for holy hands may be lifted up everywhere, without wrath or doubting (1 Tim.2:8). Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (KJV)

*****This is the verse that the LORD quoted, when He cleansed the Temple (Mat.21:12-13; Mk.11:15-17; Lk.19:45-48; Jn.2:13-16). It was God's original intention that the Temple was to be for all people no matter their race, tongue, class or condition. Most present-day churches are far removed from the main idea of its being a Temple. Many churches today are more like some sort of country club, where members expect modern music, good meals and that is on fire for basketball and football teams, and instead of being on fire for the LORD Jesus Christ (Rev.3:14-22), they are cold, wretched and miserable.

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. (KJV)

The Lord GOD, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel, saith . . . which will gather to Himself, and bring into their own land, the Israelites which are, or shall be, cast out of their own land, and from God's Presence, and dispersed in various parts of the world (Jer.16:15; 24:9; Jn.7:35).    
The scattered of Israel who, while unregenerate, are in a state of alienation from God. They are without God and Christ, and deprived of the Holy Spirit; being aliens from the people of God. They are like lost sheep (Ps.50:6; Mat.10:6; 15:24; Lk.4-6), scattered abroad by the fall of Adam (Gen.3), and their own actual offences, but the Lord GOD is the Gatherer of these; which agrees with Christ, and as He is the Good Shepherd (Jn.10:11-16), that gathers the lambs in His Arms (Isa.40:11); and as He is the Saviour that came to seek and save that which was lost (Lk.19:10); and who, as the result of having redeemed His people, gathers them by His Spirit and grace (Ep.1:13-14), through the ministry of the Word (Jn.10:14). Ephesians Chapter 1 tells us that all 3 Persons of the Godhead are involved in our salvation. http://www.godcannotlie.org/eph_ch1.htm
Yet will I gather others to him besides those that are gathered unto him . . . as there are some Gentiles who have been added to the Jewish church, so shall the LORD make another and a far more widespread gathering of the Gentiles, whom He shall bring into the same church with the Jews, making both Jews and Gentiles one fold under one Shepherd (Jn.10:16).

*****The Millennial Kingdom is to be worldwide in its extent and will include members of every family of the human race . . . red, yellow, black or white; and there will be absolutely NO physical handicap or deformity that will shut anyone out in the last days. It seems that the greatest time of turning to Christ will take place during the Millennial Kingdom.  

Predicament of the Present Kingdom (56:9-12)

Now that we have seen the marvelous view of the Coming Kingdom of Christ, Isaiah returns to the predicament of the kingdom of his day. Sadly, the same problems exist in today’s world.

Isaiah 56:9 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. (KJV)

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour . . . which may be understood either literally of savage beasts being called to devour the slain, indicating a great slaughter that would be made to which the fowls of the heaven are invited, as to a great supper (Eze.39:17-20; Rev.19:17). Some say that the beasts here refer to the kings of the people; by whom some understand the Chaldeans, Babylonians and other nations who spoiled the Jews, and carried them captive; but it seems to me this refers to the Romans in the last days, and the Antichrist.
Yea, all the beasts in the forest . . . a herd of beasts, which, like a flood, ran over the Roman Empire, and tore it to pieces, and spread ignorance and corruption everywhere, for now the beast of Rome arose with his ten horns (Dan.7:7, 20, 24; Rev.12:3; 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12, 16).           This proclamation predicts Israel's destruction by their cruel enemies, which is often stated in Scripture under the names of ravenous beasts (Lev.26:22; Num.21:6-7; Deut.8:15; 28:26; Eze.5:17; 14:15; 32:4; Rev.6:8). Wild beasts sent in judgment from God: (Lev.26:22; Num.21:6-7; Deut.8:15; 28:26; Eze.5:17; 14:15; 32:4; Rev.6:8). 

A great question arises here . . . what connection does the last part of this chapter have to do with the first part? We may consider that Isaiah spoke mainly concerning the Messiah, His church and His Kingdom, and especially of the great access and conversion of the Gentiles to it, and of the unfaithfulness, apostasy and countless evils of the Jewish nation. The LORD having comforted and encouraged the Gentiles with God's gracious Promises made to them, He now proceeds to terrify the unbelieving and ungodly Jews, by showing them that since the Gentiles would believe and be saved . . . for them to reject their Messiah, means that they would be utterly destroyed. Although we need not wonder much about the reason; for this may be the start of a new sermon, and for that reason, many educated interpreters think that this the beginning of the 57th chapter.

*****Our prophecy is now shifted from the lofty contemplation of the glorious future Kingdom to the sad condition of the then existing kingdom. God was permitting the nations of the world to come in like wild and ferocious beasts, and they were robbing and pillaging His people. Assyria had already broken in, Babylon was soon to break in; and later others would come to plunder and destroy the Jews. It is quite obvious that Jerusalem has been destroyed repeatedly. History tells us that Jerusalem has been destroyed many times, and today it is built upon wreckage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jerusalem
WHY did God permit nations to come against Israel? Because Israel had failed Him.

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. (KJV)

His watchmen are blind . . . His is Israel's watchmen, as is clear from the following verses. Watchmen were priests and prophets, and too, teachers are commonly called watchmen (Eze.3:17; 33:2; Hos.9:8). Being blind is an extremely sad character of watchmen! They must have good sight, to see who is coming, to discover an enemy, to recognize approaching danger, and to be capable of giving notice of what is seen. Some apply this to the Scribes and Pharisees, who are often called blind guides (Mat.23:16, 24), and blind leaders of the blind (Mat.15:14), and very well suits the character of false teachers. Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV) . . . Dear one, IF a teacher teaches something OTHER than the Holy Word of God, they are teaching the commandments of men, and the commandments of men CANNOT save your soul! BEWARE!!!
They are all ignorant . . . or know nothing of the Scriptures nor the meaning of them, or the Gospel, and the doctrines of it. Neither do they know Christ as the only Way of salvation (Jn.14:6; Acts 4:12). They do not know the Spirit of God and His operations on the souls of men (Rom.8:9; 1 Cor.12:13; Gal.3:2; Eph.1:13-14; 4:4; 1 Thes.4:8; Tit.3:6); and so they were not fit to be spiritual watchmen (Isa.21:6; Eze.3:17; 33:6-7).  The watchmen all were ignorant (not aware, not familiar with, not informed) of God's will and His Word, and knew nothing of the TRUE Messiah.
They are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark . . .  they are careless and lazy in instructing the people, they do not faithfully rebuke the people for their sins, they do not warn them of the danger of God’s holy wrath (Nah.1:2, 6; Heb.3:11; Rev.11:18; 14:10, 19; 15:7; 16:19; 18:3); if they do not return to the LORD (Isa.55:7); they do not warn them of errors and corruptions in doctrine (Mat.15:9), as they should do.
Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber . . . the watchmen were more concerned with their own comfort, ease and safety than they were with helping and teaching the people the Truth.

*****This is the sad picture of the prophets and priests who spoke for God in that day.
Isaiah 30:9-10 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: 10  Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (KJV)

God allowed the enemy to take Jerusalem because of the weak and inadequate leaders of the people. They were blind, ignorant and dumb dogs. The apostle Paul warned the people to beware of dogs: Phil. 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (KJV) . . .  What did Paul mean? He is NOT talking about being cautious of a dog that barks at you! He is speaking of false teachers and false preachers who are not bringing the full counsel of God, but instead were bringing damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1). In Isaiah's day every shepherd had a dog to help him watch the sheep. The dog would lie down at night, but he always kept one eye open for any danger to the sheep. The minute a dangerous animal or human being came to harm or to steal a sheep, the dog would sound an alarm! He would bark. Israel’s watchmen, the prophets and the priests who should have been warning God's people and giving out the Word of God . . . were totally ignorant of the Word. They were like dumb dogs who did not bark when there was danger. It was easier for them to sleep and keep quiet. So it is in today’s churches!

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV) . . .
Dear one, when anyone preaches or teaches the WHOLE Word of God, they will step on someone’s toes. I know this for a fact! I have taught God’s Word for over 40 years. We CANNOT teach only the good part, what the people want to hear . . . God is a God of love, He wants you to have eternal life in Heaven. We MUST teach what people do NOT want to hear as well . . . in other words, what people call the bad part! God IS absolutely a God of wrath, and IF you disobey Him, He shall condemn you to Hell!  

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. (KJV)

Yea, they are greedy dogs . . . having great appetites, and are never satisfied, greedy dogs which
 have an unquenchable greed.
Which can never have enough . . . they never feel full, never know what it is to be filled to satisfaction, but always craving more, more, more. Some think this means their insatiable greed and craving for money, never satisfied with what they have (Phil.4:11; 1 Tim.6:8; Heb.13:5). I have personally known people like this, and no matter how wealthy they were, they continually reached out for more, more, more. It was/is like a sickness with them.         
And they are shepherds that cannot understand . . . these blind and ignorant watchmen; they are dumb and greedy dogs, pretending to be the shepherds of the flock, and pretending to feed them. That cannot understand, they do not care, do not love, do not desire either to understand the Word of God themselves, nor to make the people to understand it.
They all look to their own way . . . to do only that which pleases them more, and agrees with their carnal lusts. They pursue only that which most benefits their worldly gain and profit, having no regard whatsoever to the glory of God, the interest of Christ, and the welfare of the flock.
Everyone for his gain from his quarter . . . from whatever province, city or town he is in, making the most of his tithes and revenues; increasing his salary as much as he can; getting as much as possible from all sorts of persons, rich and poor, high and low, that are under his jurisdiction; and this is the case of everyone, from the greatest to the least (Mat.23:14).
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm

****Many watchmen of today, are truly greedy dogs, concerned only with their own personal interests, never once considering the spiritual welfare of their people. If you are in a church that is constantly begging for money, please carefully check out the situation. There’s a good chance that you have a greedy dog for a watchman (pastor, shepherd). BEWARE!!!

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. (KJV)

Come ye, say they . . . they were perfect food lovers, given to their pleasures, never so much in their element as in their drunken revels, joyfully carousing; encouraging them in luxury and self-indulgence.
I will fetch wine . . . their cellars are better furnished than their closets, and they fill themselves with strong drink. They were often drunk. The watchmen invited and encouraged one another to drink to excess, and they flattered the people to sit and drink with them, and so confirmed many in their wicked ways, hardening their hearts, whom they should have reproved. How could the people think it any harm to be drunk when the watchmen themselves joined with them and led them to it?
And we will fill ourselves with strong drink . . . fill their bellies full of it until they were drunk.  We will fill ourselves, we will drink not only for enjoyment, but to staggering drunkenness (Ps.69:12; Isa.28:7-8; Jer.25:27; Mic.7:4; Nah.1:9-10; Hab.2:15-17; 1 Thes.5:2-3).
For to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant . . . this reveals their feeling of shocking security and their utter contempt of God and of His judgments. It seems these blind and ignorant watchmen abandoned all care and concern of their own or the people's souls.

*****These blind, ignorant and greedy watchmen felt very secure and confident that their prosperity and ease would continue on indefinitely. They thought that tomorrow would be as this day, only much more abundant. They had no fear at all of their own frailty, weakness and death, even though they were shortening their days and hurrying their deaths by their excesses. They had absolutely no worry or fear of the judgments of God, even though they provoked Him daily and made themselves liable to His wrath and condemnation (Jn.3:18; 8:24; 1 Jn.5:10-12). Not once did they consider the uncertainty of all the sensual delights and enjoyments, or how they would perish with the lusts of them. They continued on in their wicked course, no matter what their consciences tried to tell them. They wanted to be as merry tomorrow as they are today.

Description of wicked watchmen:
#1. They are blind (vs.10).
#2. They are ignorant (vs.10).
#3. They are dumb dogs (vs.10).
#4. They cannot bark (vs.10).
#5. They love to sleep (vs.10).
#6. They love to lie down, they are lazy (vs.10).
#7. They are greedy dogs (vs.11).
#8. They never have enough, they are covetous (vs.11).
#9. They are that do not understand (vs.11).  
#10. They all look only to their own way (vs.11).
#11. They are interested only in their own gain (vs.11).
#12. They live in great luxury, pleasure, drunkenness and wild parties (vs.12). 

This describes MANY of today’s preachers, who are supposed to be God’s watchmen.
http://www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_cults_rich_preachers.1.htm

Special Comments

This Prpphecy in Isaiah Chapter 56
Eight Predictions . . . not yet fulfilled:
#1. His salvation is near to come (vs.1).
#2. His righteousness is to be revealed (vs.1).
#3. He will give the eunuchs that obey Him a place in His House and a name better than that of sons and daughters (vs.5).
#4. He will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off (vs.5).
#5. The sons of strangers shall become His servants (vs.6).
#6. Strangers will take hold of His covenant (vs.6).
#7. He will bring these strangers to His Holy Mountain (vs.7).
#8. He will make them joyful in His House of prayer (vs.7).
#9. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted upon His altar (vs.7).
#10. His House will be called a house of prayer for all people (vs.7).
#11. He will gather others (Gentiles) besides Israel to Himself (vs.8).

Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible

Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page

JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page

ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page

ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page

Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant

Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Vision of the Dispersion . . . Isaiah Ch.58 . . Isaiah Ch59 . . Isaiah Ch.60 . . Isaiah Ch.61 . . Isaiah Ch.62 . . Isaiah Ch.63 . . Isaiah Ch.64 . . Isaiah Ch.65 . . Isaiah Ch.66 . . Home Page