Inclusion and Identity in Christ
"¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree." - Isaiah 56:3
The heart of God is wide and expansive, embracing all who seek Him with genuine hearts. In Isaiah 56:3, we find powerful insight into the nature of God's love and acceptance: "Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree."
At first glance, this verse addresses two seemingly disparate groups: the foreigner (the son of the stranger) and the eunuch. Both groups represent individuals who, by the standards of society and perhaps even the religious community, find themselves on the outskirts of inclusion. Foreigners were regarded as outsiders—those without a covenant in the past, and eunuchs, who were unable to bear children, were often marginalized due to their inability to continue the family lineage. Yet, God’s word challenges these assumptions, revealing the deep longing He has for all people to come into a relationship with Him.
### The Call of the Foreigners
"The son of the stranger" metaphorically represents anyone outside the established covenant community of Israel. This refers not only to Gentiles of that time but also to anyone who feels distant from God due to their past, their nationality, or their struggles. God specifically instructs that they should not claim that God has utterly separated them from His people. This message is one of divine inclusion—reminding them that their outsider status does not inhibit them from approaching God. In Christ, the barriers that keep us apart from one another and from God are broken down. Ephesians 2:14 tells us, "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us."
This speaks profoundly to us today. Many face feelings of unworthiness or the lie that they are not good enough to be accepted in the family of God. God, however, assures us that inclusion is His desire. If we approach Him with a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), we are welcomed. No one has to remain isolated or far from God's love. He invites us in—regardless of our past behaviors or societal groups.
### The Eunuch's Plight
Next, we consider the eunuch's lament, "Behold, I am a dry tree." This is a powerful expression of desolation and despair, signifying not only a feeling of barrenness in relation to offspring but also a deep spiritual and emotional emptiness. The eunuch may have felt as if he had lost everything of value—his future lineage, his status in society, and perhaps even his place in God’s plan. But God has something transformative to say: “For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off” (Isaiah 56:4-5).
This promise extends far beyond mere acceptance. Through God’s grace, both the stranger and the eunuch receive a new identity: a place in God's family that far surpasses worldly accolades. We, too, have been given a name—children of God (1 John 3:1), heirs of the promise and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). In Christ, our past does not define our future. Our worth is found in our relationship with Him, not in societal measures of success or acceptance.
### Conclusion
Isaiah 56:3 offers not just a reassurance for foreigners and eunuchs but a universal promise to all who feel like outcasts. It is an echo of God's relentless pursuit for every heart that seeks Him. Let us take comfort in the assurance that no one stands too far on the fringes of God’s embrace. Every person—each stranger, each barren tree—has a place in the green pastures of His love and purpose. As followers of Christ, let us extend this invitation to others, breaking down the walls that keep them from the grace found in Christ. Together, may we celebrate our inclusion and unity in Him, allowing His love to transform us into a vibrant community of faith.
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Isaiah 56:3 Artwork
Isaiah 56:3-5
Isaiah 56:3 - "¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree."
Isaiah 56:3-5 - "Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off."
"¶ Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree." - Isaiah 56:3
"Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off." - Isaiah 56:3-5
"Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely separate me from his people”; and let not the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For thus says the Lord: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose the things that please me and hold fast my covenant, I will give in my house and within my walls a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off." - Isaiah 56:3-5
Psalms 56:3
Isaiah 56:9 - "¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest."
Isaiah 56:10 - "His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber."
Psalms 56:3 - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Isaiah 56:12 - "Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant."
Isaiah 56:1 - "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed."
Lamentations 3:56 - "Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry."
Isaiah 56:4 - "For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;"
Isaiah 56:8 - "The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him."
Isaiah 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."
Isaiah 56:9 All you beasts of the field, come to devour, All you beasts in the forest.
Isaiah 56:11 - "Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter."
Isaiah 56:6 - "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;"
Isaiah 56:5 - "Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off."
"¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest." - Isaiah 56:9
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." - Psalms 56:3
Isaiah 56:7 - "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 an house of prayer for all people."
"His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber." - Isaiah 56:10
Psalm 56:3-4 - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
"Thou hast heard my voice: hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry." - Lamentations 3:56
"Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." - Isaiah 56:1
Isaiah 56:7 Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
"For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;" - Isaiah 56:4
Isaiah 56:1-2 - "This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”"