The prophet points to the Sovereign Conqueror, saying to the nation …
“The outsiders who keep covenant with the LORD (56:1-8) are better servants of God than your wicked leaders and you idol-collecting people. If you stay your current course with the life characteristics you have developed, it will only lead to more and more unrest and lost years. But there is a better path forward … the path of contrition, humility, and repentance. Choose that and live!”
A succinct summary of the text …
Three clear categories of people and the characteristics that determine their inheritance:
Irresponsible Leaders [56:9-12] “They are shepherds who have no understanding” – 56:11
Idolatrous People [57:1-13] “When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you” – 57:13
Invitation to Healing [57:14-21] “I dwell … with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit” – 57:15
What might Isaiah say to us today?
“The circumstances of life may be wearying and confusing. The clarity to separate yoursin from your suffering may at times be hazy. But the path through it all couldn’t be clearer – a lowly spirit. On that path clarity comes, transformation occurs, and your inheritance is rich and restful.”