Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
2. The blessing attached to Isa 56:1 extends to mankind in general (note the expressions man and son of man), i.e. to all who comply with the conditions of membership in the Jewish community.
that layeth hold on it ] Better as R.V. that holdeth fast by it (and so Isa 56:4 and Isa 56:6).
that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it (R.V.)] (i.e. “so as not to profane it,” so Isa 56:6). The same emphasis on Sabbath observance appears in ch. Isa 58:13, and so in Eze 20:12 ff; Eze 22:8; Eze 22:26 (cf. Jer 17:19 ff.). Although one of the most ancient of Israel’s religious institutions (Exo 20:8; Deu 5:15; Amo 8:5) the Sabbath acquired peculiar significance during the Exile, when the ordinances of public worship were suspended and the Sabbath and circumcision became the chief external badges of fidelity to the covenant of which it was the sign (Exo 31:13-14; Eze 20:12).
from doing any evil ] such offences as are specified in Isa 58:4 ff., Isa 59:3 f.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Blessed is the man – Hebrew, The blessings of the man (see Psa 1:1). The sense is, happy is the man. The word here rendered man ( ‘enosh) usually denotes a man in humble life or in a subordinate rank, in contradistinction from ‘ysh, a man in elevated rank. As the object of the prophet here is particularly to say, that the stranger and the eunuch would be admitted to these privileges, it is possible that he designedly used a word denoting one in bumble life. The particular blessing to which he refers is specified in Isa 56:7-8.
That doeth this – That is, this which the prophet soon specifies – keeping the Sabbath, and abstaining from evil.
And the son of man – Another form of expression denoting man.
That layeth hold on it – Hebrew, Binds himself fast to it; or seizes upon it with strength. That is, he adheres firmly to the purpose, as a man seizes upon a thing with an intention not to let it go.
That keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it – Who sacredly observes the day of holy rest which God has appointed. The Sabbath was one of the special rites of the Jewish religion, and one of the most important of their institutions. Its observance entered essentially into the idea of their worship, and was designed to be the standing memorial or sign between God and the Jewish nation Exo 31:13-17. At home, in their own nation, it kept up the constant sense of religion; abroad, when they traveled among strangers, it would serve to remind all of the special nature of their institutions, and be the public evidence that they were the worshippers of Yahweh. Hence, as this served to distinguish them from other people, it comes to be used here to signify the observance of the rites which pertained to the public worship of God; and evidently includes whatever was to be perpetual and unchanging in the public worship of the Creator. It is remarkable that the prophet does not pronounce a blessing on him who came to bloody altars with sacrifices, or him who burned incense, or him who conformed to the unique rites of the Jewish religion. These rites were to pass away, and the obligation to observe them was to cease; and in this indirect manner the sacred writer has given an intimation that there would be blessings on those who did not observe those rites, and that the period would arrive when the divine favor and mercy would descend on people in a different channel. In regard to the importance of the Sabbath, see the note at the close of Isa 58:1-14.
And keepeth his hand … – That is, is an upright, holy, honest man. He not only worships God and keeps the Sabbath, but he is upright in the discharge of all the duties which he owes to his fellow-men. These two specifications are evidently designed to include all the influences of religion – the proper service and worship of God, and an upright and holy life. Never in fact are they separated, and the religion of the Bible was designed to secure the one as much as the other.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Isa 56:2
Blessed is the man that doeth this
The blessedness of right-doing
Blessed is the man that doeth this.
It must be so, for in doing judgment and justice he in some measure resembles the blessed God, who exerciseth judgment and righteousness in the earth, and delighteth in these things. (R. Macculloch.)
Comprehensive righteousness
The duties of the first table are typified by the observance of the Sabbath; those of the second table are signified in the comprehensive expression, That keepeth his hand that it do no evil. (Prof. S. R. Driver,D. D.)
Sabbath-keeping
A great variety of reasons have been given for the special mention of the Sabbath here. The true explanation is afforded by a reference to the primary and secondary ends of the Sabbatical institution, and the belief involved in its observance.
1. It implied a recognition of Jehovah as the omnipotent Creator of the universe (Exo 20:11; Exo 31:17).
2. As the Sanctifier of His people, not in the technical or theological sense, but as denoting Him by whom they had been set apart as a peculiar people Exo 31:13; Eze 20:12).
3. As the Saviour of this chosen people from the bondage of Egypt Deu 5:15). Of these great truths the Sabbath was a weekly remembrancer, and its observance by the people a perpetual recognition and profession, besides the practical advantages accruing to the maintenance of a religious spirit by a weekly recurrence of a day of rest. (J. A. Alexander.)
Sabbath-keeping
I. THE DUTY REQUIRED. To keep the Sabbath, to keep it as a talent we are to trade with, or a treasure we are entrusted with; keep it holy, keep it safe, keep it with care and caution, keep from polluting it; allow neither yourselves nor others either to violate the holy rest nor omit the holy work of that day.
II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT WE HAVE TO DO THIS DUTY. Blessed is he that doeth it. The way to have the blessing of God upon our employments all the week is to make conscience and business of Sabbath sanctification; and in doing so we shall be the better qualified to do judgment and justice. The more godliness the more honesty (1Ti 2:2). (M. Henry.)
Sabbath-keeping and justice
We are not just if we rob God of His time. (M. Henry.)
Resoluteness in Sabbath observance
Those that would keep the Sabbath from polluting it must put on resolution; must not only do this, but lay hold on it, for Sabbath time is precious; but it is very apt to slip away if we take not great care; therefore we must lay hold on it, and keep our hold; must do it, and persevere in it. (M. Henry.)
The utility of the Sabbath
As the Sabbath was instituted while man was yet within the precincts of Paradise, and unseduced by the wiles of the devil, we are warranted to conclude that a day of holy rest was useful and necessary to him, even in a state of innocence; and if it was of use and advantage to him then, how much more must it be now! Man is now become so sinful, so earthly, so forgetful of God, so careless of his highest interests, that were it not for the solemnities of the Sabbath, he would speedily lose all sense of religion, and utterly neglect the salvation of his soul. (D. Rees.)
An unpolluted Sabbath
The text gives us to understand that in order to keep the Sabbath from polluting it, we must keep our hands from doing any evil. Nor can we suppose that the day is to be sanctified merely by acts of negative holiness, but also by acts of positive goodness. (D. Rees.)
Sabbaths and week-days
That keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. The best evidence of our having kept the Sabbath well will be a care to keep a good conscience all the week. (M. Henry.)
The blessedness of keeping Gods holy day
What are we to understand by polluting the Lords day?
1. This holy time is certainly thus abused when it is spent in mere idleness.
2. When it is devoted to worldly amusement.
3. By all labour which may not fairly come under the description of work of necessity and mercy. (J. N. Norton.)
Sabbath observance
A little boy was on a visit to his uncle, and when the morning of the Lords Day came, the uncle said, Come, my man, you and I will go out and fish awhile! Uncle, answered the boy, very gravely and somewhat . . . puzzled, does God require us to fish here on Sunday at our house He doesnt allow us to do it. The fishing excursion was given up, and good came of the childs pointed sermon. (J. N. Norton.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. That keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it] Kimchi has an excellent note here. “The Sabbath is sanctified when it is distinguished in dignity; and separated from other days.
1. As to the body, in meat, drink, and clean clothing.
2. As to the soul, that it be empty of worldly occupations, and be busily employed in the words of the law and wisdom, and in meditation on the works of the Lord.”
The rabbins say, “Jerusalem had never been destroyed, had not the Sabbaths been profaned in it.”
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Blessed is the man; every man, not only Jews, but Gentiles, or strangers, as it is explained in the following verses. That were this; judgment and justice, mentioned Isa 56:1.
That layeth hold on it; or, that holdeth it fast; that is resolute and constant in so doing; that not only begins well, but perseveres in it.
That keepeth the sabbath, from polluting it; that guardeth the sabbath from profanation, and doth not defile it, either by forbidden practices, or by the neglect of commanded duties. And the sabbath seems to be put here, as sacrifice is elsewhere, synecdochically for the whole worship of God, whereof this is an eminent part, and the bond of all the rest.
Keepeth his hand; which being the great instrument of action, is put for all the kinds and means of action.
From doing any evil, to wit, to ones neighbour, as it is more fully expressed, Psa 15:3.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. (Lu12:43).
the manHebrew,enosh, “a man in humble life,” in contradistinction toHebrew, ish, “one of high rank.” Even the humblest,as “the stranger” and “the eunuch” (Isa 56:4;Isa 56:6), are admissible tothese privileges.
this . . . itwhatfollows: “keeping the Sabbath,” c. (Isa 58:13Isa 58:14; Eze 20:12).A proof that the Sabbath, in the spirit of its obligation, wasto be binding under the Gospel (Isa66:23). That gospel times are referred to is plain, from theblessing not being pronounced on the man who observed the sacrificialritual of the Jewish law.
layeth holdimage fromone grasping firmly some precious object which he is afraid of havingforcibly snatched from him. The “Sabbath” here includes allthe ordinances of divine worship under the new gospel law.
keepeth . . . hand . . . from. . . evilThe observance of the second table of the law; asthe “Sabbath” referred to the first table. Together, theyform the whole duty of man, the worship of God and a holy life.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Blessed is the man that doth this,…. That does justice, and keeps judgment; he hereby exercises a good conscience both towards God and men; he enjoys communion with God in his ways, worship, and ordinances, he attends unto, and has an evidence of his right to eternal happiness:
and the son of man that layeth hold on it; on the salvation of Christ, and his righteousness; which supposes a sense of the insufficiency of a man’s own righteousness, a view of the excellency and suitableness of Christ’s righteousness; and is expressive of a strong act of faith upon it, embracing and retaining it as a man’s own:
that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it; by doing any servile work on it, and attending to all religious duties, private or public. This is put for the whole of instituted worship under the Gospel dispensation, and for any day or time in which the church of Christ meet together for religious worship:
and keepeth his hand from doing any evil; committing any sin against God, or doing injury to the persons or properties of men, including the whole of moral duty.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
2. Happy is the man that shall do this. When he calls those persons “happy” who, having embraced this doctrine, devote themselves to walk uprightly, he indirectly leads us to conclude that many will be deaf or disobedient; but, lest their wickedness or indifference should retard the elect, he recommends the exhortation which he has given from the advantage which it yields. Thus, in order that believers may abandon all delay, he exclaims that they are “happy” to whom it hath been given (95) to possess such wisdom.
Keeping the Sabbath. We have said that the words “justice” and “judgment,” in the preceding verse, include all the duties of the second table; but here he mentions the Sabbath, which belongs to the first table. I reply, as I have already mentioned briefly, that they who live inoffensively and justly with their neighbors, testify that they serve God; and therefore we need not wonder that the Prophet, after having glanced at the second table, mentions also the first; for both ought to be joined together In a word, Isaiah declares that he who shall obey God by keeping his law perfectly shall be “happy;” for the salvation and the righteousness of God shall belong to him. Since, therefore, men wander at random amidst their contrivances, and adopt various methods of worshipping God, he shows that there is only one way, that is, when men endeavor to frame and regulate their life by the injunction of the Law; for otherwise they will weary themselves in vain by taking other roads. In short, this is a remarkable passage, showing that nothing pleases God but keeping the Law.
If the question be put, “Can men obtain righteousness and salvation by their own works?” the reply will be easy; for the Lord does not offer salvation to us, as if he had been anticipated by our merits, (for, on the contrary, we are anticipated by him,) but offers himself freely to us, and only demands that we, on our part, draw near to him. Since therefore he willingly invites us, since he offers righteousness through free grace, we must make every effort not to be deprived of so great a benefit.
Again, because the Sabbath, as Moses declares, (Exo 31:13) and as Eze 20:12 repeats, was the most important symbol of the worship of God, so by that figure of speech in which a part is taken for the whole, and which is called a synecdoche, the Sabbath includes all the exercises of religion. But we must view the Sabbath in connection with everything that attends it; for God does not rest satisfied with outward ceremony, or delight in our indolence, but demands from us earnest selfdenial, that we may be entirely devoted to his service.
So that he may not profane it. This clause is commonly rendered, “That he may not profane it;“ and literally it runs thus, “From profaning it;“ and therefore we have thought it proper to prefix the word “so” to the clause, “So that he may not profane it,” in order to remove all ambiguity.
And keeping his hand, that he may abstain from all that is evil. He now adds another synecdoche, to describe the duties which men owe to each other. The amount of it is, that there is no other way of serving God aright but by sincere piety and a blameless life, as he has also included in these two parts the rule of leading a holy life. In a word, it is an exposition of true righteousness which is contained in the Law of the Lord, that we may acquiesce in it; for in vain do men seek any other road to perfection. Here also are thrown down all false worship and superstitions, and, finally, everything that is contrived by men in opposition to the word of God.
(95) “ Ausquels la grace a este faite.” “To whom grace hath been given.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(2) That keepeth the sabbath from polluting it . . .It lies in the nature of the case that a devout king like Hezekiah would be an observer of the Sabbath. It is almost certain that the counsellors of the young Manasseh (probably the Shebna party), abandoning the religion of Israel in other things, would also disregard this. I take the prophets teaching accordingly as directed against that evil. He utters his beatitude for those who are faithful to the rgime of Hezekiahs reign, even though their alien birth or their condition as eunuchs seemed to exclude them from the polity of Israel (Deu. 23:1-8).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
2. Blessed is the man the son of man Terms meaning the same thing, used merely for the parallelism. The pronouncement of this blessing is for the consolation of those who “keep judgment and do justice.” Sabbath observance is claimed on grounds ethical and physical. It is a perpetual obligation. Priceless blessings attend sabbath keeping and conscientious right doing in all things.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Isa 56:2. That keepeth the sabbath By keeping the sabbath, which was particularly ordained for the worship of God, is meant all that which pertains to the divine worship under the Gospel; and by keeping the hand from doing evil, is meant, the abstinence from all evil and immoral works. It cannot possibly be supposed that the prophet here speaks merely of the external or legal sabbath.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Isa 56:2 Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Ver. 2. Blessed is the man that doeth this. ] And by it lays hold on that – i.e., that performeth the duties of both tables, of piety and of charity; that maketh conscience of keeping the Sabbath especially. The Fourth Commandment standeth fitly in the heart of the Decalogue, and between the two tables of the law, as having an influence into both.
From polluting it.
And keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
man = (mortal) man. Hebrew. ‘enosh. App-14.
this . . . it. This righteousness . . . this salvation. Both Feminine.
of man = of Adam. Hebrew. ‘adam. App-14.
keepeth the sabbath. Reference to Pentateuch (Exo 20:8-11).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Blessed: Psa 1:1-3, Psa 15:1-5, Psa 106:3, Psa 112:1, Psa 119:1-5, Psa 128:1, Luk 11:28, Luk 12:43, Joh 13:17, Rev 22:14
layeth: Isa 56:4, Pro 4:13, Ecc 7:18
keepeth the: Isa 58:13, Exo 31:13-16, Lev 19:30, Neh 13:17, Jer 17:21, Jer 17:22, Eze 20:12, Eze 20:20
keepeth his: Psa 34:14, Psa 37:27, Psa 119:101, Pro 4:27, Pro 14:16, Pro 16:6, Pro 16:17, Rom 12:9
Reciprocal: Gen 2:3 – blessed Exo 31:14 – keep Lev 23:3 – General Deu 29:9 – General Psa 15:3 – doeth Isa 27:5 – let him Isa 33:15 – that walketh Isa 56:6 – every Mar 2:24 – that 2Pe 1:10 – if
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
THE HAPPY SABBATH-KEEPER
Blessed is the man that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it.
Isa 56:2
I.The sabbath is polluted when it is spent in mere idleness.
II.When it is devoted to worldly amusement.
III.By all labour which may not fairly come under the description of works of necessity and mercy.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Isa 56:2. Blessed is the man Any, or every man, not only Jews but Gentiles, or strangers, as it is explained in the following verses. That doeth this That practiseth the judgment and justice, or the righteousness, mentioned Isa 56:1. That layeth hold on it Or, that holdeth it fast, as may be rendered; that is, resolute and constant in so doing; that not only begins well, but perseveres in well-doing: that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it That doth not profane or defile the sabbath, either by forbidden practices, or by the neglect of commanded duties. The sabbath seems to be here put, as sacrifice is elsewhere, for the whole worship of God. And keepeth his hand from doing any evil That conscientiously abstains from all evil and immoral works.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
56:2 Blessed [is] the man [that] doeth this, and the son of man [that] layeth hold on it; that keepeth the {c} sabbath from profaning it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
(c) Under the Sabbath he comprehends the whole service of God and true religion.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Ethical conduct will result in divine blessing. Profaning the Sabbath and doing evil are the opposite of preserving justice and doing righteousness. They represent specific acts of obedience (observing the Sabbath) and an attitude toward life (doing good). By refraining from work on the Sabbath, the Israelites expressed trust that God would provide for their needs as He promised. Next to circumcision, keeping the Sabbath was the central sign of the Mosaic Covenant (cf. Exo 31:13-17; Eze 20:12-17). God’s standard is perfection: His people were to keep their hands from doing "any evil" (cf. Mat 5:48).
"Those who have received mighty blessings from the Lord have an obligation faithfully to do His will, and in the Old Testament dispensation this would be accomplished by keeping the law and observing the sabbath" [Note: Young, 3:388.]