Isa 58:3, Jer 14:12 | JFB | STEP | 3. 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 ( ). afflicted . . . soul — ( ). 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 ( , &c.).

Isaiah 58:3

3. 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 (Ps 73:13; Mal 3:14).

afflicted . . . soul— (Le 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 (Ne 5:1-5, 8-10, &c.).

Jeremiah 14:12

12. not hear—because their prayers are hypocritical: their hearts are still idolatrous. God never refuses to hear real prayer (Jer 7:21, 22; Pr 1:28; Isa 1:15; 58:3).

sword . . . famine . . . pestilence—the three sorest judgments at once; any one of which would be enough for their ruin (2Sa 24:12, 13).