In Isaiah 56.1-2 there is identification between 'to keep justice' and 'to keep the Sabbath'. The Sabbath plays an important part in the construction of exilic and post-exilic identity. At the same time, 'to keep the Sabbath' permits the eunuch and foreigner (56.3) to hope that they will enter the house of the Lord (56.4-7). This article explores the relationship between Isa. 56.1-2 and the verses immediately following, as well as Ezekiel 18-20, chapters in which the Sabbath and justice are also associated. The thematic association of the keeping of justice and the keeping of the Sabbath thus seems to highlight an interesting case of identity and universalism going together. © SAGE Publications.

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