A foreigner who has joined the LORD's people should not say, "The LORD will not let me worship with his people." A man who has been castrated should never think that because he cannot have children, he can never be part of God's people.

And the LORD says to those foreigners who become part of his people, who love him and serve him, who observe the Sabbath and faithfully keep his covenant:

Israel, how happy you are! There is no one like you, a nation saved by the LORD. The LORD himself is your shield and your sword, to defend you and give you victory. Your enemies will come begging for mercy, and you will trample them down.

Foreigners bow before me; when they hear me, they obey.

They lose their courage and come trembling from their fortresses.

Say to God, "How wonderful are the things you do! Your power is so great that your enemies bow down in fear before you.

Those who hate me would bow in fear before me; their punishment would last forever.

Simon himself also believed; and after being baptized, he stayed close to Philip and was astounded when he saw the great wonders and miracles that were being performed.

You have no part or share in our work, because your heart is not right in God's sight.

For I see that you are full of bitter envy and are a prisoner of sin."