Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse connects doing justice and righteousness with God's impending salvation, implying that our actions are the crucial pathway to experiencing His revealed deliverance. It’s not just a promise of future rescue, but a call to live in a way that actively welcomes and prepares for that divine intervention.
Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage begins a new section of Isaiah, calling the people to live justly and righteously. It's a call to holiness and ethical behavior, framing it as preparation for an imminent divine intervention: God's salvation is coming, and His justice will be made clear. This immediate context emphasizes that God's promised deliverance isn't for just anyone, but for those who actively practice righteousness and uphold justice.
The Lord calls for 'justice' and 'righteousness.' But what does that really mean? Is it just following a list of rules, or something deeper?
The Hebrew words translated as 'justice' and 'righteousness' in this verse are deeply intertwined. They don't just refer to external actions but to an internal disposition and a way of life.
When God calls for both, He's asking for a holistic approach: not just fair dealings (justice) but also a life lived with complete integrity and devotion to Him (righteousness).
God promises that 'my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed.' Why link salvation and righteousness so closely?
In this prophetic context, God's 'salvation' and 'righteousness' are presented as inseparable aspects of His coming redemptive act. This isn't just about rescuing people from trouble; it's about God's own character being put on display.
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When God's salvation comes, it will be a righteous act – a demonstration of His faithfulness, justice, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
The promise of salvation is near, but it's directly linked to the command to 'keep justice and do righteousness.' What's the connection?
The structure of the verse creates a powerful connection between obedience and the imminence of God's saving work. The word 'for' (Hebrew: ki) acts as a bridge, indicating that the call to justice and righteousness is the reason or basis for the nearness of salvation.
Understand the original words
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant God made with Israel, which includes His moral law, His redemptive purposes, and His faithful commitment to His people. It is a binding agreement where God promises blessings for obedience and warns of consequences for disobedience.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
Living in conformity to God’s standard, character, and will; it involves right standing before God and right living toward others. In an evangelical context, it is grounded in God's nature and often results from a relationship with Him.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
God’s act of rescuing His people from judgment, oppression, or spiritual death. It is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who delivers humanity from the penalty and power of sin.
This verse calls for justice and righteousness, emphasizing that God's salvation and righteousness are imminent. It speaks to a people who have returned from exile and are rebuilding, but still struggle with obedience. The message is a powerful reminder that true faithfulness is the necessary preparation for God's promised deliverance, whether that refers to their immediate restoration or the ultimate salvation found in the Messiah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib invades Judah, devastating much of the land and besieking Jerusalem. This event would have instilled fear and uncertainty among the Judeans.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Judah, leading to multiple deportations of its people, including the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple in 586 BC. This period of exile profoundly shaped Judean identity and hope for restoration.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, leading to the Edict of Cyrus which allowed the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Rededication
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and rededicated, symbolizing a return of divine presence but also a new phase of life under foreign rule and the need for renewed faithfulness.
c. 500-450 BC— this verse
Post-Exilic Period of Rebuilding
The period following the return from exile, characterized by the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, but also by spiritual apathy, legalism, and the need for a deeper understanding of God's covenant.
This passage echoes Isaiah's call for justice and righteousness, clarifying that these actions are what the Lord truly requires of us, not just outward ritual.
Matthew 3:2John the Baptist's proclamation, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,' directly parallels Isaiah's message that people must live righteously in preparation for God's imminent salvation and revelation.
Luke 21:31Jesus uses similar language to Isaiah, instructing his followers that when they see the signs of the end times, they should know that God's kingdom is near, implying a need for vigilant readiness and righteous living.
Romans 13:11Paul urges believers to 'wake up from sleep' and cast off darkness because salvation is nearer now than when they first believed, drawing a parallel to Isaiah's call for immediate righteousness in light of approaching salvation.
Isaiah 62:1-2These verses directly follow Isaiah 56 and further elaborate on the 'salvation' and 'righteousness' mentioned, promising a future where Jerusalem's righteousness and salvation will be visibly evident to all nations.
wesleyIsaiah 56:1: "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed."
56:1 My salvation - That eminent salvation by the Messiah, and in which, without this you shall have no share. Is near - So the scripture often speaks of things which are at a great distance, as if they were present or at hand, Hab 2:3 James 5:8,9 Rev 22:20. My righteousness - The same thing which he called salvation.
cambridgeIsaiah 56:1: "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed."
1, 2 . The exhortation to righteousness is based on the nearness of Jehovah’s salvation (cf. Isaiah 46:13 , Isaiah 55:6 ). justice should be righteousness (as in R.V.), the same word as in the last line of the verse, but in a different sense. In the first case righteousness means conformity to the law of God (cf. Isaiah 58:2 ), in the second it is, as ofte…
The verse connects doing justice and righteousness with God's impending salvation, implying that our actions are the crucial pathway to experiencing His revealed deliverance. It’s not just a promise of future rescue, but a call to live in a way that actively welcomes and prepares for that divine intervention.
This passage begins a new section of Isaiah, calling the people to live justly and righteously. It's a call to holiness and ethical behavior, framing it as preparation for an imminent divine intervention: God's salvation is coming, and His justice will be made clear. This immediate context emphasizes that God's promised deliverance isn't for just anyone, but for those who actively practice righteousness and uphold justice.
This passage begins a new section of Isaiah, calling the people to live justly and righteously. It's a call to holiness and ethical behavior, framing it as preparation for an imminent divine intervention: God's salvation is coming, and His justice will be made clear. This immediate context emphasizes that God's promised deliverance isn't for just anyone, but for those who actively practice righteousness and uphold justice.
"Thus says the LORD: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed." — The verse connects doing justice and righteousness with God's impending salvation, implying that our actions are the crucial pathway to experiencing His revealed deliverance. It’s not just a promis…
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Last reviewed October 2026