Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"The son of the foreigner"
Text: Isaiah 56:3
LAWS FROM THE DAYS OF MOSES
There were certain laws that were given to Israel concerning foreigners and eunuchs. They were not allowed to enter into the Temple. This matter was now addressed by the LORD.
“Do not let the son of the foreigner
Who has joined himself to the LORD
Speak, saying,
‘The LORD has utterly separated me from His people’;
Nor let the eunuch say,
‘Here I am, a dry tree.'”
Isaiah 56:3
1. The Plight of:
a) The foreigner
i) He was not a citizen of Israel.
ii) He would be called “a stranger”.
iii) He was not entitled to any of the privileges given to Israel.
b) The Eunuch
i) The person who has been castrated is called a eunuch.
ii) He is also forbidden to enter into the assembly of worshippers
(Deuteronomy 23:1).
2. The Lament of:
a) The son of a foreigner.
i) He wants to join himself to the LORD.
ii) Would he be accepted or rejected?
iii) If it was according to the old law of Moses, he would not be accepted.
b) A eunuch
i) He is infertile (a dry tree).
ii) Is he to be separated from the LORD forever?
3. This issue had come up.
a) The LORD addressed this issue.
b) His approach was gracious and full of mercy.