Isaiah 58:4

Isaiah 58:4

2 Yet they seek Me daily,
And delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness,
And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;
They take delight in approaching God.

3 ‘Why^a have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and¹ You have not seen?
Why have we ^bafflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.

4 ^aIndeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.

5 Is ^ait a fast that I have chosen,
^bA day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And ^cto spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the Lord?

6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To ^aloose the bonds of wickedness,
^bTo undo the¹ heavy burdens,
^cTo let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?

7 Is it not ^ato share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are¹ cast out;
^bWhen you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from ^cyour own flesh?

Commentaries:

John Wesley's Notes

<< Isaiah 58:3

Isaiah 58:5 >>

Behold - Your fasting days, wherein you ought in a special manner to implore the mercy of God, and to shew compassion to men, you employ in injuring or quarrelling with your brethren, your servants or debtors, or in contriving mischief against them. Heard - In strife and debate. By way of ostentation.

<< Isaiah 58:3

Isaiah 58:5 >>

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