A word of cheer to those who are in danger of being excluded from the church

56 Thus says the Lord:

‘Keep the law, and do that which is right:

for soon my deliverance cometh,

my justice will soon be revealed.’

2 Happy the man who thus does,

the mortal who holds it fast –

he who keeps the Sabbath unsullied,

who keeps his hand from all evil.

3 And let not the foreigner say,

who has joined himself unto the Lord,

‘The Lord will separate me

most assuredly form his people.’

And let not the eunuch say,

‘Behold, a dry tree am I.’

4 For thus says the Lord:

‘The eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,

make choice of the things I delight in,

and hold my covenant fast –

5 in my house and within my walls

I will give them a name and a monument

better than sons and daughter:

I will give them a name everlasting

that never will be cut off.

6 And the foreigners joined to the Lord,

who serve him and love his name,

and are pledged to be his servants –

all who keep the Sabbath unsullied

and hold his covenant fast –

7 I will bring to my holy mountain;

and fill them with joy in my house of prayer

their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices

will be welcomed upon my altar.

And my house will be known by the name,

’house of prayer for every nation.’’

8 Thus says the Lord the Lord,

who gathers the outcasts of Israel:

‘I will yet gather others to him

beside those who already are gathered.’