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Christian Interpretation of Isaiah 56:4-5
Question
Dear Rabbi,
The other day I was talking to a Christian woman, and I was telling her, that I did not understand the Catholic doctrine that says that in order to achieve a higher spiritual level you must remain virgin, because it is indeed a Mitzvah to marry and have a family. She quoted to me Isaiah 56:4-5 that says: "For thus said the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my shabbat, and choose [the things] that please me, and take hold of my covenant. Even unto them will I give in My house and within My walls a monument and a memorial better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting memorial, that shall not be cut off". The word for eunuch in Hebrew is: Saris, but this means a man that is castrated, as far as I know, it does not mean a man that remains virgin.
Answer
First of all, I would advise you not to enter a polemical discussion with someone who has other beliefs. You will not convince a Christian that her reading of the Bible is wrong.
As I understand it, in Chap. 56, Isaiah offers a message of hope to the Jewish people who are suffering in exile: if they keep Shabbat and the commandments, salvation will be imminent. Even though the eunuchs are unhappy because they do not have children and therefore believe they will not be part of the future Israel, the prophet even promises them a place in the future kingdom in the messianic times, if they follow God's way (verses 4-5).
Rabbi Monique Susskind Goldberg
November 2006
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