Definition: Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 56:6. It’s a really beautiful and important message about God’s love and how we should live our lives in His presence. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God loves everyone , especially those who are different or “strangers” to Him. It’s urging us to be devoted to following God's commands, specifically about respecting the Sabbath and keeping it clean. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Also the sons of the stranger…” - This refers to people from other countries or backgrounds – immigrants, travelers, anyone who isn’t part of our culture. “Stranger” here means different than just geographically; it means different cultures and traditions. "...that join themselves to the LORD..." - This is a crucial part. "Join themselves" means to follow God's will and live a life that honors Him. It’s about turning away from self-centeredness and seeking His guidance. "...to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD..." – This means to obey God’s commands and to cherish and respect His name. It’s about worshipping Him and recognizing that He is supreme. "...to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it..." - This is about respecting the Sabbath (a day of rest). The verse warns against taking time off for leisure or personal enjoyment when it's meant to be a day of worship and rest . “Polluting” means to make something impure or disrespectful. "...and taketh hold of my covenant..." – This is the most important part. "Covenant" means a special agreement or promise between God and us. God promises to keep His word, and this verse says that He holds (keeps) this promise for all those who follow Him. In simpler terms: God wants everyone to live a life of reverence and obedience, respecting the Sabbath, and keeping his promises. It's about recognizing that we are part of God’s plan and that His will is important. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse speaks to God’s love for all humanity and our responsibility to honor Him through righteous living. It emphasizes that true devotion comes from a deep, heartfelt relationship with God, not just fleeting pleasures or distractions. It's about recognizing that we are called to be his servants in a way that honors His will. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of how to live out these principles in your own life?