Isaiah 56:2 - Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”

Generated Verse: Isaiah 56:2

What does "Isaiah 56:2" mean?


Isaiah 56:2 speaks about the blessings bestowed upon those who are righteous and observe God's commandments. Let's break it down:

"Blessed is the man who does this...": This refers back to the preceding verses in Isaiah 56, which generally call for justice, righteousness, and inclusivity, especially towards foreigners and eunuchs who want to join themselves to the Lord. "This" encapsulates living a life of obedience to God's will, as outlined in the broader context.
"...and the son of man who holds it fast...": "Son of man" is a common phrase meaning "human being." It emphasizes that this blessing applies to all people, not just a specific group. "Holds it fast" means clinging tightly to these principles, remaining steadfast in one's commitment to righteousness and obedience. It suggests a deliberate and consistent effort.
"...who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it...": The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. "Profaning it" means violating its sacredness by engaging in activities that were considered work or otherwise desecrated the day's intended purpose of rest and spiritual reflection. More broadly, it signifies respecting God's commands and setting aside time for spiritual devotion.
"...and keeps his hand from doing any evil.": This is a general call to avoid all forms of wickedness. It encompasses moral behavior, ethical conduct, and refraining from harming others. "Keeps his hand" signifies actively choosing not to participate in evil actions.

In essence, the verse emphasizes that God blesses those who:

Live righteously and justly.
Remain steadfast in their commitment to God's ways.
Observe the Sabbath with reverence.
Abstain from all forms of evil.

Significance:

Universal Application: The blessing is extended to any "man" or "son of man," implying that righteousness is open to all who choose to follow God's path.
Importance of Sabbath: It highlights the importance of the Sabbath as a sign of devotion to God and a reminder of the covenant relationship.
Holistic Righteousness: It emphasizes that true righteousness involves both outward observance of religious practices (like Sabbath keeping) and inward moral purity (abstaining from evil).
Blessings of Obedience: It promises blessings to those who are obedient to God's commands.

This verse is a call to live a life of holiness, obedience, and justice, and it assures those who do so that they will be blessed by God.