Isaiah 56

2 that keepeth the Sabbath. The observance of the Sabbath appears to be particularly mentioned, partly because it could be maintained, at least in spirit, by the Jews even during their exile, and partly because of its great and permanent importance to the maintenance of religion among men (see also iviii. 13, 14).

3 the son of the stranger . . . the eunuch. These two classes had been expressly excluded by the law from the congregation of the Hebrews: see Deut. xxiii. 1-8. No doubt many among the Jews, taken to be eunuchs in the court of Babylon (xxxix. 7; comp. Dan. i. 3, etc.), would be despised by their brethren on their return to Palestine, and this word was needed to reassure them. But it contains the deeper lesson that the Gospel has removed all external barriers to religious privileges.

5 an everlasting name. A remarkable illustration of this promise is found in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts viii. 26-39), who had obtained in the Church of Christ “a place and a name” of honour far higher than he could have attained as the progenitor of an illustrious race.

8. Beside those that are gathered unto Him. Rather, “Besides His own gathered ones” (Psa. xlvii. 9; John x. 16).

9. All ye beasts of the field. God’s people being regarded as His flock, their leaders and teachers are called “watchmen” and “watchdogs”: whilst the agents of Divine correction and punishment are appropriately spoken of as “wild beasts.”

10 watchmen. There were prophets during the Babylonian exile (Jer. xxix. 15, etc.).

Sleeping. More literally, as R.V., “Dreaming.”

11 from his quarter. Rather, “from every quarter,” R.V.

12. Come ye, etc. One of the unfaithful “shepherds” thus invites to a two days’ banquet.