Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Wherefore—the words of the Jews: "Why is it that, when we fast, Thou dost not notice it" (by delivering us)? They think to lay God under obligation to their fasting (Psalms 73:13; Malachi 3:14).
afflicted . . . soul— (Leviticus 16:29).
Behold—God's reply.
pleasure—in antithesis to their boast of having "afflicted their soul"; it was only in outward show they really enjoyed themselves. GESENIUS not so well translates, "business."
exact . . . labours—rather, "oppressive labors" [MAURER]. HORSLEY, with Vulgate, translates, "Exact the whole upon your debtors"; those who owe you labor (Nehemiah 5:1-5, Nehemiah 5:8-10, etc.).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Isaiah 58:3:
Isaiah 57:17
Isaiah 58:1
Isaiah 58:2
Isaiah 58:14
Jeremiah 14:12
Jeremiah 14:18
Zechariah 7:5
Zechariah 7:7
Malachi 3:14
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