In calling for a faithful and righteous people, the importance of the Sabbath Day is highlighted here (v1-2). The Sabbath came into existence from the creation of the world and was not introduced just with Moses’ law. The sabbath has changed from the Saturday to the Sunday to mark Jesus’ resurrection, and still needs to be highly valued today.

The passage turns to consider foreigners who come to embrace the Lord and also eunuchs (v4-8). These people may feel they are missing out on so much, but the Lord is promising that in Him they will know great blessing. The keeping of the Sabbath is highlighted as being very important for these people also to know God’s blessing (v4, 6).

We see here that the Lord is on the side of the outcasts and is abundant in grace. Verse 7 was quoted by Jesus when He cleared the temple. One of the problems with the market that was going on in the temple courts was that it was happening in the court of the Gentiles. A place that should have been used for the drawing in of outsiders, was being corrupted.

This leads us on to the final verses (v9-12) which are aimed against the failed leaders or shepherds of Israel. Those who are to lead among God’s people need to do so with great love, integrity and care. We need to pray earnestly for those who have this great responsibility.