Isaiah 56:1-12

56:2 | The reference to not defiling the Sabbath and refraining from doing evil are probably shorthand for the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:8-11). The Sabbath reference suggests the first five commandments, which are oriented toward God, and the reference to avoiding evil suggest the second five commandments, which are oriented toward human beings.

56:3-8 | The rebuilt temple will become a house of prayer for all nations. Isaiah’s vision here is consistent with his earlier descriptions of the coming kingdom and anticipates the gospel, which is proclaimed to all nations (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 2:11-22).

56:9-11 | The watchmen symbolized the prophets and the shepherds symbolized the political leaders of Israel. The fact that the watchmen were blind – meaning that they were unable to warn the nation of approaching danger – and the shepherds were self-indulgent reveals the defenseless posture of Israel in her days of rebellion.