Also recorded in this section are encouraging words in relation to the foreigner, or "stranger." Since the temple at Jerusalem was viewed as the center of worship for all people, Isaiah prophesied about a day when those who did not belong to Israel by race or natural birth would come and partake of God's "covenant" (Isaiah 2:3). Chapter 56 begins with, "Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." The statement is brief but, the implications are clear: Those who please God must keep the law both as it relates to reverence toward God and purity of personal life. Isaiah 56, 57, and 58 are written mainly for the purpose of ethical instructions to God's people. Isaiah also warned the nation of the consequences of sin and the judgment of God upon sin. Isaiah's prophecy focused in part on the coming Messiah and His suffering for our salvation. As far as we know Isaiah spent his entire life and ministry in and around Jerusalem. and began his ministry around 742-740 B.C., the final year of King Uzziah's reign. A Call to God's House (Isaiah 56:6-7) The prophet Isaiah was born around 762-760 B.C. At the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry and in the final week of His ministry, it was necessary for Him to cleanse the Temple and restore it to its original purpose. For this reason, the temple had a courtyard for use by believing Gentiles. God also desired to reach out to the Gentiles and wanted those outside the covenant promises to come to Him. God intended to use the nation of Israel to be a holy people through whom He would reach the world with His message of salvation. The temple was a place that represented God's plan and purpose for the nation of Israel. In today's texts from Isaiah, Jeremiah and Mark, Jesus and the prophets will help us understand cleanliness from God's perspective, especially in relation to God's house. While there is actually no verse in the Bible that says, "Cleanliness is next to godliness," the subject of cleanliness and cleansing is prominent in Scripture (Psalm 19:12 51:2 119:9 Ephesians 5:26 James 4:8). Feed Me The Whole Word: International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes Lesson Text: Isaiah 56:6-7 Jeremiah 7:9-11 Mark 11:15-19 Lesson Title: The Cleansing of the Temple Introduction Have you ever heard the old adage, "Cleanliness is next to godliness?" It is often used as an admonition to clean or tidy up (such as from parents to children) and reflects man's focus on the outward part of man as a measure of inward spirituality.
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