The “Foreigner” and the Eunuch: The Politics of Belonging in Isaiah 56:1–8

Abstract

One important theme that has emerged recently in research concerning exile, migration, and return-migration is the concept of “belonging”, a concept that is quickly destabilising the emphasis on identity. This article will demonstrate the heuristic significance of research concerning belonging for Biblical scholars, focusing on the negative stereotypical identity labels, “the foreigner” and “the eunuch” in Isaiah 56:1–8. It will emphasise the crucial importance of using clear and differentiated analytical language and will illustrate how doing so enables us to perceive new nuances and shades of meaning in the Biblical text. We will emphasise the importance of elective attachment in Isaiah 56:1–8 and will emphasise the significance of recognising that identity labels such as “foreigner” are constructed and unstable. The article surveys material concerning belonging and demonstrates its significance for rethinking and reframing the polemic against ethnic entitlement and exclusionary language.