Isaiah 58
Summary for Isa 58:1-4: 58:1-4 a This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.58:2 b they act so pious (literally they seek me): They may have been truly committed to a religious form, but they failed to truly meet God in their religious activities.
58:3 c Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Lev 16:29 d; see Zech 7:5 e). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.
58:5 f This is a satirical portrayal of the people’s fasting as mere external piety without repentance and righteous acts. Ritualistic and insincere fasting is nothing but pomp.
• Wearing burlap and ashes are expressions of sorrow and mourning.
• please the Lord? The people erroneously believed that the Lord would bless them, if only they performed the right rituals.
Summary for Isa 58:6-7: 58:6-7 g True fasting creates an awareness of injustice and oppression and prompts the practitioner to reach out to help the needy in their struggles (see 42:7 h; Matt 25:35-36 i; Jas 1:27 j).
58:8 k your salvation (literally your light): The light of the coming age (see 42:6-7 l; 60:1-3 m) will dawn on those who turn fully to the Lord. The night of divine judgment and oppression will be over.
• your wounds: The nation of Israel was wounded when they were conquered and sent into exile.
• protect you from behind: See also 52:12 n.
58:9 o the Lord will answer: Cp. 1:15 p; see also 19:22 q.
• Stop ... spreading vicious rumors: God calls for an end to acts and words that destroy relationships (see Prov 6:12-14 r).
58:10 s your light ... as bright as noon: God would rescue and vindicate his people (see Job 11:17 t; Ps 37:6 u).
58:12 v a rebuilder of walls: Nehemiah would later fulfill this promise (see Neh 2:17 w).
58:13 x Like the practice of fasting, the Sabbath was intended to be an expression of self-denial and worship. It consists of delighting in the Lord, trusting him to provide for one’s needs while abstaining from work, and living in obedience to his will.
58:14 y As people honor God through obedience, they themselves will be honored by God.
• the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob: The promised inheritance includes living with many descendants in the holy land and enjoying God’s presence, blessing, and protection (Gen 31:3 z; 35:9-12 aa).
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