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.
ISAIAH 56:1
This is a compact, urgent summons: keep judgment and do justice because salvation is near and righteousness will be revealed. In Isaiah, righteousness is both a divine attribute and a communal calling—living justly is a visible sign that God’s deliverance is breaking into history. The context includes God’s concern for foreigners, the vulnerable, and those marginalized by ritual or national boundaries. The verse sets a tone of ethical expectation that the people’s response to God’s redemptive act will be mirrored in how they live—policies, courts, and daily behavior aligned with justice and mercy.
Theological emphasis on righteousness and justice as social virtues tied to salvation highlights the inseparable link between faith and practice. God’s imminent salvation isn’t abstract but demands a transformed community with just governance, fair treatment of the marginalized, and integrity in public life. It foreshadows later prophetic and messianic expectations where salvation includes social renewal, not merely personal piety.
Apply by prioritizing justice in everyday decisions: fair wages, honest business practices, and care for the vulnerable (immigrants, the poor, the elderly). If you’re a leader, ensure policies reflect mercy and equity. Practically, support community initiatives that reduce inequality, strengthen criminal-justice reform, and promote restorative rather than punitive approaches. Let your faith translate into ethical action that reflects God’s near salvation.
Cross-References: Micah 6:8; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 85:10; James 2:14-17; Romans 13:8-10