Chapter Summary

Solemn instruction given to all to make conscience of duty. Charge against the careless and unfaithful

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 56

1. What is the significance of the "eunuch" (HCSB) in this chapter? What is the history of eunuchs in relation to the Law of Moses and worship in the temple, especially in Deuteronomy 23? In what ways might we (spiritually) be like the eunuch?
2. Why will God no longer "exclude the foreigner" (HCSB)? How does this impact the covenants of God that He has made to Israel in the past, in particular His covenants with Abraham and David?
3. Is God "expanding" His promise of salvation beyond Israel? How would that make an Israelite feel? How is this passage significant to us today?
4. What is the "house" (HCSB) in verse 5? How is this related to the Old Testament temple? What significance does this have for both the Israelites and the nations?
5. How does God include "all nations" (HCSB) in verse 8 in His story of salvation? How does this impact missions and our worldview of the nations?
6. Who are "Israel's Watchmen" (HCSB) in verse 10? Why does God speak so harshly about them? What relation does this have to spiritual leaders today?
7. What is the significance of eunuchs having a "memorial and a name" (HCSB) in God's house? Why does God use the graphic imagery of not being "cut off" from God's promise? What does this mean?
8. How many times can you find the expression "keep the Sabbath" (HCSB)? What does this mean in Isaiah's time? What does this mean for New Testament believers today?
9. Where can you find the phrase "House of Prayer" (HCSB) in this passage? What does this tell us about God's intentions and priorities when we gather together as the Church?
10. If "foreigners" (HCSB) and "eunuchs" (HCSB) would have "acceptable" "burnt offerings and sacrifices" (HCSB), why then were they unacceptable before? What does this teach us about God's design for purity in worship?

Key Words/Phrase

Justice and righteousness, vv. 1, 2

Characters

God

Strong Verse(s)

7