This chapter begins by telling us about God’s righteousness in the new age.
The sabbath, so long neglected by Israel, receives special emphasis from God. Those who keep the sabbaths in the way taught by God would be blessed.
The blessedness is extended to those who might think that they had no right to console themselves with the promises, the proselytes and the eunuchs.
The keeping of the Sabbath day, under the Old Testament law, showed respect for God while refraining from doing evil showed respect for man. True religion consists of two things, our attitude toward God and our attitude toward man.
We read of the full realisation of this promise was to be for the Gospel age. God would richly bless those in the restoration who kept His covenant. However, the promise finds its fulfilment in the church in the name given.
Notice the following.
1. The name was to be given by God.
2. It was to be given in His house.
3. It was to be better than that of sons and daughters.
4. It was to be everlasting.
5. It was to be given to the obedient.
The New Testament application of this is as follows.
1. The name Christian was given by God, Acts 11:26.
2. The name was given in God’s house, 1 Timothy 3:14-15.
3. It is better than son or daughter, James 2:7.
4. It is to last unto the end, 1 Peter 4:16.
5. It is bestowed upon obedient children.
Jew and Gentile alike are gathered into God’s house, Ephesians 2:14-16, and God will not restrict salvation to the Jews but will extend it to all, John 10:16 / Mark 16:15-16 / Revelation 22:17.
It is circumcision of the heart that identifies the people of God today, Colossians 2:11-14. Discipleship has changed from focusing on one day to every day, Romans 12:1-2, and God’s people today no longer look to a physical temple in order to pray, but pray directly to God wherever they are, Matthew 21:13 / Mark 11:17 / John 10:16 / Ephesians 2:17 / 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
From these verses through to chapter 57:21, we read of the negligence of Israel’s leaders and the errors of His people.
Here we read of the conduct of the greedy rulers. The prophet reproves the wicked and the unbelievers who had worshipped idols and had failed to teach God’s Word to their children.
They are ‘greedy dogs’, feeding themselves while the flock is scattered and starved. The full-time prophets were more concerned for their own well-being than the safety of the nation.
The words, ‘let me get wine’, means they had the spirit which said, ‘let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die’, Isaiah 22:13.
De Hoff, in his commentary, says the following.
‘There are always people who indulge themselves thinking only of the present and caring nothing for the future of themselves or their children.’