simplify Iasiah 56:1-12 in relation to today's life?

Question

The Theme for this passage is given as "God's people will include all nations" and the question is" for what reasons were national leaders condemned. Can our leaders today be condemned for the same reason? Give reasons for your answers

Answer 1

0His watchmen are blind;
they are all without knowledge;
they are all silent dogs;
they cannot bark,
dreaming, lying down,
loving to slumber.
11The dogs have a mighty appetite;
they never have enough.
But they are shepherds who have no understanding;
they have all turned to their own way,
each to his own gain, one and all.
12"Come," they say, "let me get wine;
let us fill ourselves with strong drink;
and tomorrow will be like this day,
great beyond measure."

I wonder if you gave the right referance I read from one but saw no mention of nations the point was that isreal beleaved as the chosen people they were the only ones God cared about he let them know he was going to send a saviour for all in Jesus. but yes even today power corrupts and leaders will not follow Gods plan even if they start of meaning to.

Answer 2

I guess I'm doing your homework for you but here goes.

First, God extends His salvation beyond the Jewish people to the rest of mankind. He rewards the keeping of His covenant, no matter by whom (this is the Old Covenant, so I'm not saying we have to keep to Sabbath laws today; and if we did, it would be on Saturdays). But the idea is the same with the New Covenant, that we should honour and uphold it with respect.

Secondly, he rebukes the "watchmen" of Israel, those whose responsibility it is to keep the nation on track morally and spiritually. He says they are asleep or getting drunk.

You could compare this to the moral and religious vacuum of today in most Christian countries. But I believe the leaders God would most likely condemn in relation to this are not today's secular political leaders, but the Church leaders who are either too lukewarm and compromising with the world's values, or too judgmental of people with slightly different religious doctrines from themselves, to be effective shepherds of the flock.

Answer 3

I think that the leaders that would be condemned are those that lead the people away from God. Or forbid Him to be worshipped. Like those Islamic countries that persecute Christians just because they are Christian.

It is also important to note that the original Sabbath was a type of thing to come, in other words; it became the Life of Faith. I think that's important to note.

Answer 4

This chapter is in the "Servant" section of Isaiah's book. After 39 chapters of judgment and woes (especially to foreign, oppressive nations) comfort is offered to those who sincerely desire to please Yahweh. He will send his Servant to deliver, restore and regather Israel. This will be an everlasting deliverance and its scope will extend to blessing all nations (as per his covenant with Abraham).

It's about new beginnings; after disobedience and punishment, God offers a fresh start if sinners repent and return to his ways. They must become his covenant people by keeping the covenant. Foreigners and eunuchs were normally excluded from temple worship, though they could still be part of God's offspring, hence encouragement for those ones to now bind themselves to Yahweh. Back then it was the Old Covenant (as per the 10 Commandments etc) and since the time of Christ it became the New Covenant (as per Christ's summary of the two greatest commandments, which actually includes all of the 10 Commandments! Think about it.) As keeping the Sabbath and being circumcised identified those in the Old Covenant, entering in to God's rest through the Lord of the Sabbath - Christ - and being born again by the Holy Spirit, identify those in the New Covenant.

The apparently sudden change half-way through the chapter is a reminder to God-fearing people that God will hold to account those who ought to be protecting, nourishing his people, but who devour them instead. Although rulers may certainly be included, it's a mistake to look critically at them without examining ourselves personally as well. Consider the cries of the drunkards whose foolish words are used by Jesus in his parable of the rich fool in Lk 12:19.

Finally, don't forget that there were no chapter breaks in Isaiah's writings! Read before and after chapter 56 to soak up more of the composite picture and message. And do let us know what marks you get for your essay!