Journal Through the Bible: Week 66 Monday

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Isaiah 56:1-57:21

Does God issue any commands?

• Israel is commanded to keep proper justice because God's salvation is near to come and His righteousness will be revealed.
• Believing Gentiles should not think themselves separated from God's people. (56:3)

Does God make any promises?

• Those who keep judgment and proper justice and does not pollute the sabbath will be blessed.
• To the believing Gentiles and eunuchs God makes a covenant and promises a home with Him. They will have an everlasting name.
• The wicked will be destroyed because of their mind-numbing debauchery and the righteous will inherit their possessions. (56:9-12; 57:3-13)
• When the righteous die no one should be discouraged because they have been taken from the evil to come and have found rest. (57:1-2)
• God will heal and restore those who humble themselves. (57:16-19)
• The wicked will have no peace. (57:20-21)

Does this passage teach anything about Jesus?

• Jesus is the judge who brings perfect justice. It is through His sacrifice that the covenant is extended to all people on the earth. Those who accept this covenant of peace will live with Him as described in chapter 56.
• Jesus is the judge of the wicked as described in chapter 57.
• Jesus is the high and lofty One that inhabites eternity, whose name is Holy. (57:15)

Does this passage teach anything about yet-future events?

• The promises of a home with God where many live together as family is given to eunuchs and Gentiles in this passage and is reminiscent of the promise made to the barren woman in chapter 54. There is coming a time where people will no longer procreate. It will be a closed society made up of earthly believers who will then live together as the children of God. (56:3-8)
• The righteous shall possess the land and  inherit God's holy mountain. (57:13)