Isaiah 58:3-4

3 'Why have we 1fasted and You do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves and You do not notice?' Behold, on the 2day of your fast you find your desire, And drive hard all your workers.
4 "Behold, you fast for contention and 3strife and to strike with a wicked fist. You do not fast like you do today to 4make your voice heard on high.

Isaiah 58:3-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 58

From the wicked and antichristian party the prophet is bid to turn to the professors of the true religion, and openly, boldly, and sharply, reprove them for their sins, particularly their hypocrisy and formality in worship, Isa 58:1,2, who yet were angry, and complained that the Lord took no notice of their religious services, particularly their fasting, which is put for the whole; the reason of which was, because they did not fast aright; it was attended with much cruelty, strife, and wickedness, and only lay in external appearances, Isa 58:3-5, when they are directed how to keep a fast, and are shown what a true fast is, and what works and services are acceptable to God, Isa 58:6,7 on doing of which, light, health, prosperity, and hearing of their prayers, are promised, provided the yoke of oppression is taken away, and compassion shown to the poor, Isa 58:8-10, yea, a very fruitful and flourishing estate of the soul is promised, and a rebuilding of waste places, delight in the Lord, and great honour and dignity; so be it that the sabbath of the Lord, or public worship, is attended to in a proper manner, Isa 58:11-14.

Cross References 4

  • 1. Malachi 3:14; Luke 18:12
  • 2. Isaiah 22:12, 13; Zechariah 7:5, 6
  • 3. Isaiah 3:14, 15; Isaiah 59:6
  • 4. Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 59:2; Joel 2:12-14

Footnotes 1

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