Isaiah 56:8-10

The Voice

These words must have come as a surprise to the Hebrews. They were the called-out ones and had been commanded to keep themselves separate from their pagan neighbors. Now they hear these words of inclusion. They are told it doesn’t matter who they are or where they’ve come from or what “imperfections” they might have. Any who have bound themselves to Israel’s God—even if they’re not Israel, even if they are not “whole”—belong to Him and will enjoy all the wonders that He has in store for them. One day it will be clear that they are a sign of God’s goodness and mercy, that God’s justice is on display through their lives. They are to live as the light of God to the neighboring countries.

⁸And the One who brings all Israel together, the Lord, the Eternal, declares:

Eternal One: I am not done yet. I will still gather more to this community.

⁹Bring in the ravenous, vicious beasts from forests and fields;
    bring them in to pillage Jerusalem to rip and eat!
¹⁰Those who should be guarding and directing the people
    are blind and ignorant at best.
They are no better than hounds who can’t be bothered to bark at trouble;
    they lie around, lost in their dreams, loving their sleep.