Read Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Beginning with chapter 56, Isaiah’s oracles were most likely addressed to those who were rebuilding Jerusalem after the Exile; this part of Isaiah is often called “Third Isaiah”. Observance of the Sabbath took on increased importance during the Exile, for it was one means by which Israelites could keep their identity while living among the pagans in Babylon. Read the full passages, vv. 1-8. What 2 subjects are left out (vv. 2-5)? In what ways do vv. 3-5 and 6-8 deal with the same theme? How do these 2 passages address the prohibitions in Deuteronomy 23:1-8? In v. 7, to what does “house” refer? Read Mark 11:15-19. How does Jesus make use of this passage?

Prayer for the week

God of the foreigner and outcast, your arms reach out to embrace all those who call upon you.  Teach us as disciples of Christ so to love the world that your name may be known throughout the earth.  Amen.