Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 56:1

"Thus saith Jehovah, Keep ye justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." — Isaiah 56:1 (ASV)

Thus says the Lord—That is, in view of the fact that the kingdom of God was to come in the near future. Yahweh states what was necessary for them to prepare for it, and what character He demanded of those who were inclined to embrace its offers and who would be admitted to its privileges.

Keep judgment—Margin, ‘Equity.’ Break off your sins and be holy. A somewhat similar declaration was made by John the Baptist when he announced the coming of the Messiah: Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2). The general idea is that it was not only appropriate that the prospect of His coming and His near approach should lead them to a holy life, but it was also necessary so that they might escape His indignation.

My salvation is near to come—It should be kept in mind that this was regarded as addressed to the Jews in exile in Babylon. There is probably a primary reference in the words to the deliverance they were about to experience from their long and painful captivity.

However, at the same time, the language is appropriate for the coming of the kingdom of God under the Messiah, and the entire scope of the passage requires us to understand it as referring to that event. Language similar to this occurs frequently in the New Testament, where the sacred writers seem to have had this passage in view (Luke 21:31; Romans 13:11).

Therefore, it is to be regarded as having a reference to the future coming of the Messiah. Perhaps it was designed to describe the series of deliverances that would end the painful bondage in Babylon, bringing the people of God to perfect freedom and to the full fruition of His favor.

Although the actual coming of the Messiah at the time of the exile was comparatively remote, yet the beginning of the great work of their deliverance was near. They were soon to be rescued, and this rescue was to be only the first in a series of deliverances that would result in the entire redemption of the people of God. It was also to be the public pledge that all He had promised concerning the redemption of the world would certainly be accomplished.

To be revealed—To be made known; to be publicly manifested.