Isaiah 56-58

“Whoever takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain” (57:13). Isaiah prophesied against the Israelites whose hearts were disloyal to God, while at the same time, they took pride in their religious identity and rituals (57:11). Those who fasted diligently yet “exploited their workers” (58:3-6) did not know God, while foreigners and eunuchs (officially ‘unclean’ outsiders) who sought the Lord would be given “a name better than sons and daughters” (56:5).

“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (57:15). Self-righteousness creates a barrier to God’s holy presence, but He welcomes the humble, the “poor in spirit,” who take refuge in Him.