이사야 Chapter 58

Translation: ESV

3

'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?' Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure and oppress all your workers.

Key Message

External religious acts without inner transformation and love of neighbor are meaningless.

▸Israel's complaint: 'We fast but why don't you answer?' God's answer: even on fast days they pursue their own pleasure and exploit laborers.

Israel's complaint: 'We fast but why don't you answer?' God's answer: even on fast days they pursue their own pleasure and exploit laborers. Formal religious acts without genuine justice are meaningless.

Related Verses

I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
6

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Key Message

True religion is setting the oppressed free.

▸The fast God delights in: setting the oppressed free.

7

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Key Message

The authenticity of faith is shown in caring for the poor and marginalized.

▸The concrete practice of true fasting: bread for the hungry, bring the homeless into your house, cover the naked.

11

And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Key Message

The one who practices justice becomes a spring that never runs dry.

▸The blessing given to those who practice true fasting.