Isaiah

¹ "Guard my common good: Do what's right and do it in the right way, For salvation is just around the corner, my setting-things-right is about to go into action.

² you men and women who embrace them, Who keep Sabbath and don't defile it, who watch your step and don't do anything evil!

³ ever has occasion to say, 'God put me in second-class. I don't really belong.' And make sure no physically mutilated person is ever made to think, 'I'm damaged goods. I don't really belong.' "

⁴ "To the mutilated who keep my Sabbaths and choose what delights me and keep a firm grip on my covenant,

⁵ in my family and within my city, even more honored than that of sons and daughters. I'll confer permanent honors on them that will never be revoked.

⁶ working for me, loving my name, and wanting to be my servants— All who keep Sabbath and don't defile it, holding fast to my covenant—

⁷ and give them joy in my house of prayer. They'll be welcome to worship the same as the 'insiders,' to bring burnt offerings and sacrifices to my altar. Oh yes, my house of worship will be known as a house of prayer for all people."

⁸ who gathers in the exiles of Israel: "I will gather others also, gather them in with those already gathered."

⁹ Come, devour, beast barbarians!

¹⁰ They have no idea what's going on. They're dogs without sense enough to bark, lazy dogs, dreaming in the sun—

¹¹ voracious dogs, with never enough. And these are Israel's shepherds! They know nothing, understand nothing. They all look after themselves, grabbing whatever's not nailed down.

¹² Let's go out and get drunk!" And tomorrow, more of the same: "Let's live it up!"