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Scott's Reference Library
Isaiah 56:1 (NIV)
1 This is what the LORD says:
“Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
Isaiah 56:6 through Isaiah 56:8 (NIV)
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—
7 these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
8 The Sovereign LORD declares—
he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
“I will gather still others to them
besides those already gathered.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 1-2
The Lord tells us what are his expectations of duty from us. Be honest and just
in all dealings. Also strictly observe the sabbath day. To have the blessing of
God upon employments all the week, make conscience of keeping the sabbath holy.
Have nothing to do with sin. Blessed is the man that keeps his hand from all
things displeasing to God and hurtful to his own soul. Those who, through the
Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, will be found walking in
ways of holy obedience.
VERSES 3-8
Unbelief often suggests things to discourage believers, against which God has
expressly guarded. Spiritual blessings are unspeakably better than having sons
and daughters; for children are a care, and may prove a grief and shame, but the
blessings we partake of in God’s house, are comforts which cannot be made
bitter. Those who love the Lord truly, will serve him faithfully, and then his
commandments are not grievous. Three things are promised. Assistance: I will not
only bid them welcome, but incline them to come. Acceptance, and comfort: though
they came mourning to the house of prayer, they shall go away rejoicing. They
shall find ease by casting their cares and burdens upon God. Many a sorrowful
spirit has been made joyful in the house of prayer. The Gentiles shall be one
body with the Jews, that, as Christ says, John 10:16, there may be one fold and
one Shepherd. Thanks be to God that none are separated from him except by wilful
sin and unbelief; and if we come to him, we shall be accepted through the
sacrifice of our great High Priest.