“And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim past the phrase "to love the name of the LORD," but it's actually a profound expression of genuine faith. This isn't just about outward service; it's about a heart that finds delight and devotion in who God is, moving beyond mere duty to a relationship rooted in affection.
“And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision where God is speaking about the future restoration and expansion of His people. Following declarations of judgment on the unfaithful and promises of salvation to those who uphold justice and righteousness, God turns to include foreigners and eunuchs, addressing their potential fears of exclusion. These verses promise that those who genuinely commit themselves to God, keeping His Sabbath and covenant, will be welcomed and accepted into His presence and service, a preview of the inclusive nature of His kingdom.
What does it truly mean to 'join yourself' to God? It's more than just showing up – it's about a deep commitment to His ways.
The passage in Isaiah 56:6 highlights that the "sons of the stranger" who are welcomed by God do so by "joining themselves to the LORD." This isn't a passive act. It signifies a deliberate, wholehearted commitment.
A Purposeful Step
This commitment is the foundation for all those who wish to truly belong to God, regardless of their background.
The Sabbath and the covenant are central to Israel's identity. What do they signify for those outside Israel who seek to belong?
Ask a follow-up
Isaiah 56:6 doesn't just open the door to God; it outlines the key practices that signify genuine belonging: keeping the Sabbath and holding fast to the covenant. These aren't mere rituals but markers of a transformed life.
Keeping the Sabbath
The command to 'keep the Sabbath and not profane it' signifies more than just a day of rest. It points to:
Holding Fast the Covenant
'Holding fast my covenant' speaks to a steadfast commitment to God's promises and His established relationship with His people.
For the 'sons of the stranger,' these acts are the tangible expressions of their internal commitment to the LORD.
Understand the original words
nekar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to non-Israelites who, despite being outside the original covenant people by birth, choose to align themselves with Israel's God, YHWH, often through conversion or faithfulness.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
A recurring title for the God of Israel, YHWH, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people.
sharath · Hebrew Verb
To serve or perform religious duties, often used in the context of priests or Levites serving in the tabernacle or temple.
shem · Hebrew Noun
In biblical thought, God’s 'name' represents His person, reputation, character, and authority; to love His name is to love the entirety of who He has revealed Himself to be.
shabbat · Hebrew Noun
A state of rest ordained by God, commemorating His creation and His deliverance of Israel, serving as a sign of the covenant relationship between God and His people.
chalal · Hebrew Verb
To treat something holy as common or unclean; a serious violation of God's commands regarding sacred objects, times, or people.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or treaty between God and humanity (or a group), established on God's initiative, detailing the terms of the relationship.
Isaiah's vision of inclusion for 'foreigners' and 'eunuchs' directly addresses the post-exilic community, where concerns about ethnic purity and strict adherence to the Law were paramount, particularly after the rebuilding of the Temple and walls. This prophecy offered a radical hope of belonging for all who genuinely sought the Lord, regardless of their background.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria besieged Jerusalem, but ultimately failed to conquer the city due to a divinely sent plague and Hezekiah's faithful leadership. This event highlighted Judah's vulnerability and dependence on God.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Judah, beginning a series of exiles. The prophet Daniel was among the first to be taken captive to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar razed Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, exiling most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marked the end of the Judean monarchy and the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon, initiating a new era. He issued a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem and completed the rebuilding of the Temple. This marked a significant step in the restoration of Jewish life and worship.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, focusing on religious reforms and the re-establishment of the Law of Moses. This period emphasized adherence to covenant and purity laws.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Return and Wall Reconstruction
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returned to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city walls. This effort faced significant opposition and strengthened a sense of communal identity and divine protection.
This passage highlights that God shows no favoritism and accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is right, echoing Isaiah's theme of inclusion for foreigners.
Galatians 3:28Paul directly states there is no longer Jew or Gentile in Christ, aligning with Isaiah's prophecy that God's house will be a house of prayer for all nations, breaking down ethnic barriers.
Ephesians 2:11-13This passage describes Gentiles as formerly far off but now brought near through Christ's blood, mirroring the inclusivity offered to 'foreigners' in Isaiah's prophecy.
Romans 15:10-12Quoting Deuteronomy and Isaiah, this passage shows the early church understood the Old Testament prophecies to include Gentiles in God's plan for salvation and worship.
pooleIsaiah 56:6: "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;"
That join themselves to the Lord; that with purpose of heart cleave unto him, as is said, Acts 11:23 . To serve him, and to love the name of the Lord; to serve him out of love to him, and to his worship.
pulpitIsaiah 56:6: "Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;"
Verse 6. - Also the sons of the stranger (comp. ver. 3). The proselytes shall not be treated as they fear. On the contrary, God will treat them in exactly the same way as his original people - will conduct them to Palestine, settle them in his "holy mountain," admi…
It's easy to skim past the phrase "to love the name of the LORD," but it's actually a profound expression of genuine faith. This isn't just about outward service; it's about a heart that finds delight and devotion in who God is, moving beyond mere duty to a relationship rooted in affection.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision where God is speaking about the future restoration and expansion of His people. Following declarations of judgment on the unfaithful and promises of salvation to those who uphold justice and righteousness, God turns to include foreigners and eunuchs, addressing their potential fears of exclusion. These verses promise that those who genuinely commit themselves to God, keeping His Sabbath and covenant, will be welcomed and accepted into His presence and service, a preview of the inclusive nature of His kingdom.
This passage is part of a larger prophetic vision where God is speaking about the future restoration and expansion of His people. Following declarations of judgment on the unfaithful and promises of salvation to those who uphold justice and righteousness, God turns to include foreigners and eunuchs, addressing their potential fears of exclusion. These verses promise that those who genuinely commit themselves to God, keeping His Sabbath and covenant, will be welcomed and accepted into His presence and service, a preview of the inclusive nature of His kingdom.
"“And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant—" — It's easy to skim past the phrase "to love the name of the LORD," but it's actually a profound expression of genuine faith. This isn't just about outward service; it's about a heart that finds deligh…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026