Isaiah 56-58

Isaiah 56

Call to Righteous Living

• “Keep justice”
• “Do righteousness”
• Keeping Sabbath
• Obedience connected to blessing –Blessed is the man who does this,

Inclusion of Foreigners and Eunuchs

• Foreigners who join themselves to the LORD welcomed
• Eunuchs promised “a name better than sons and daughters”
• Faithfulness is what defines our belonging

Corrupt Watchmen (Leaders)

• Blind
• Silent dogs
• Lovers of sleep
• Greedy

They fail to protect the people.

Isaiah 57

This chapter opens with talking bout the righteous dying. Sometimes it seems that no one noticesThe righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; but they are removed from coming evil and enter peace. 

Israel’s Spiritual Adultery

• Sorcery
• False worship
• Sexual immorality tied to idolatry
• Killing of children
• Mountains and high places:
  • Pagan worship sites

Israel called adulterous and trusting of foreign gods

Idols cannot save, God alone provides refuge

God is “High and lifted up”. He dwells in eternity

• Yet also: Dwells with the contrite and lowly
• God revives the humble.

No Peace for the Wicked

• Wicked like tossing sea
• No rest
• No peace

Isaiah 58

Outward religion

• Fasting
• Sackcloth
• Ashes

But inwardly:

• Oppression
• Fighting
• Exploitation

God rejects false performative religion.

TRUE fasting defined

• Loosen bonds of wickedness
• Free the oppressed
• Share bread with hungry
• Shelter homeless
• Clothe naked

Resulting blessing

• Light breaks forth
• Healing comes
• God answers prayer

Sabbath Reframed: Call Sabbath a delight and honor God. 

Promise of joy

• Ride on heights of earth
• Inheritance of Jacob

Application

Isaiah 56 shows us that we are called to righteous living. We need to love those whom Jesus has loved and hate corrupt leaders. Isaiah 57 shows God hates idols. This can pertain to our idols today – anything that takes over our focus from God. Lastly, Isaiah 58 shows us that true worship produces justice and compassion.