AUGUST 8

Isaiah 55 is God’s invitation to all the world to enter His
Kingdom and share His blessings.

In chapter 56 God reminds us that “happy is the man that
keeps his judgment and does justice.” Verse 7 says, “Even them will
I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of
prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted
upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer
for all people.”

Chapters 56:9–58:14 record the sins that were being
committed in Isaiah’s day. The people were guilty of profaning the
Sabbath. Gluttony of Israel’s leaders, and idolatry, with all its
vile practices, were very prevalent. The sins of the wicked rulers
of Israel were denounced in chapter 56:9-2; while the sins of the
wicked population are denounced in chapter 57:1-13. Judgment for the
wicked and mercy for the repentant are recorded in verses 14-21.

Chapter 58 presents false worship versus true worship. The
hypocritical worship and sins of Israel are given in verses 1-5.
True worship is outlined in verses 6 and 7, and again the promise
for those that repent is given in verses 8-14.

Chapter 59 prophesies of the coming of the Redeemer to Zion.
Verses 1-8 speak of Israel’s unbelief and sin in the last days, and
verses 9-15 cover their confession in the last days. God graciously
intervenes in their behalf (verses 16-19), judging and punishing the
wicked. Verses 20 and 21 prophesy of Christ’s appearance in person
for the salvation of them who turn from sin.