17. How does Jehovah appeal to his people to obey the Sabbath laws?

¹⁷ The Sabbath was an expression of God’s deep concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of his people. Jesus said: “The sabbath came into existence for the sake of man.” (Mark 2:27) This day sanctified by Jehovah afforded the Israelites a special opportunity to show their love for God. Sadly, by Isaiah’s time it has been reduced to a day of observing empty rituals and indulging in selfish desires. So once again, Jehovah has cause to censure his people. And again, he tries to reach their hearts. He says: “If in view of the sabbath you will turn back your foot as regards doing your own delights on my holy day, and will actually call the sabbath an exquisite delight, a holy day of Jehovah, one being glorified, and will actually glorify it rather than doing your own ways, rather than finding what delights you and speaking a word; you will in that case find your exquisite delight in Jehovah, and I will make you ride upon the high places of the earth; and I will cause you to eat from the hereditary possession of Jacob your forefather, for the mouth of Jehovah itself has spoken it.”​—Isaiah 58:13, 14.

19. What rich blessings are in store for God’s people if they turn to keeping the Sabbath?

¹⁹ Still, if the Jews learn from the discipline and turn to honoring the Sabbath arrangement, rich blessings are in store. The good effects of true worship and respect for the Sabbath will spill over into all aspects of their lives. (Deuteronomy 28:1-13; Psalm 19:7-11) For example, Jehovah will make his people “ride upon the high places of the earth.” This expression signifies security and conquest of one’s enemies. Whoever controls the high places​—the hills and the mountains—​controls the land. (Deuteronomy 32:13; 33:29) At one time Israel obeyed Jehovah, and the nation enjoyed his protection and was respected, even feared, by other nations. (Joshua 2:9-11; 1 Kings 4:20, 21) If once again they turn to Jehovah in obedience, some of that former glory will be restored. Jehovah will grant his people a full share in “the hereditary possession of Jacob”​—the blessings promised through His covenant with their forefathers, especially the blessing of secure possession of the Promised Land.​—Psalm 105:8-11.