Isaiah 56:4 highlights God’s promise of acceptance to eunuchs who faithfully keep His sabbaths, choose what pleases Him, and keep His covenant, affirming His inclusive grace beyond societal barriers.
For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant” (v.4). In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks on behalf of the LORD, offering a message of hope and inclusion to eunuchs, who were often marginalized in ancient Israel. The LORD declares that eunuchs who remain faithful—by honoring God’s sabbaths, pursuing what pleases Him, and keeping His holy covenant—are accepted and blessed by God. The mention of eunuchs is significant because in Israel’s ancient society, which placed great value on future offspring and land inheritance, eunuchs typically lacked social standing. Yet Isaiah shows God’s heart for those who might be disregarded by society—He brings them in, granting them equality and a place in His kingdom.
The phrase who keep My sabbaths refers to obeying the LORD’s directives for rest and worship established in the Old Testament. Observing the sabbath was a core institution, a reminder of God as Creator (Genesis 2:3) and Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5:15). When Isaiah states choose what pleases Me, it underscores that genuine devotion involves active engagement of the heart and will, seeking what is righteous in God’s sight. And to hold fast My covenant emphasizes a commitment to the LORD’S commands and His grand design for holiness and justice.
Together, these instructions stand out as an invitation: even those typically left out or barred from certain religious rites are fully invited to honor God; in turn, He pledges that their faithfulness will not be overlooked. Their names, metaphorically, will be inscribed in God’s household, more precious than having children or a family heritage on earth (Isaiah 56:5).
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Isaiah 56:4 meaning
For thus says the LORD, “To the eunuchs who keep My sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant” (v.4). In this verse, the prophet Isaiah speaks on behalf of the LORD, offering a message of hope and inclusion to eunuchs, who were often marginalized in ancient Israel. The LORD declares that eunuchs who remain faithful—by honoring God’s sabbaths, pursuing what pleases Him, and keeping His holy covenant—are accepted and blessed by God. The mention of eunuchs is significant because in Israel’s ancient society, which placed great value on future offspring and land inheritance, eunuchs typically lacked social standing. Yet Isaiah shows God’s heart for those who might be disregarded by society—He brings them in, granting them equality and a place in His kingdom.
The phrase who keep My sabbaths refers to obeying the LORD’s directives for rest and worship established in the Old Testament. Observing the sabbath was a core institution, a reminder of God as Creator (Genesis 2:3) and Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5:15). When Isaiah states choose what pleases Me, it underscores that genuine devotion involves active engagement of the heart and will, seeking what is righteous in God’s sight. And to hold fast My covenant emphasizes a commitment to the LORD’S commands and His grand design for holiness and justice.
Together, these instructions stand out as an invitation: even those typically left out or barred from certain religious rites are fully invited to honor God; in turn, He pledges that their faithfulness will not be overlooked. Their names, metaphorically, will be inscribed in God’s household, more precious than having children or a family heritage on earth (Isaiah 56:5).