Isa 58:3-12 | TNotes | STEP | 58:3 Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Lev 16:29 ; see Zech 7:5 ). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.

58:3 ^a Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Lev 16:29 ^b; see Zech 7:5 ^c). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.
58:5 ^d 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 ^e 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 ^f; Matt 25:35-36 ^g; Jas 1:27 ^h).
58:8 ⁱ your salvation (literally your light): The light of the coming age (see 42:6-7 ^j; 60:1-3 ^k) 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 ^l.
58:9 ^m the Lord will answer: Cp. 1:15 ⁿ; see also 19:22 ^o.

• Stop ... spreading vicious rumors: God calls for an end to acts and words that destroy relationships (see Prov 6:12-14 ^p).
58:10 ^q your light ... as bright as noon: God would rescue and vindicate his people (see Job 11:17 ^r; Ps 37:6 ^s).
58:12 ^t a rebuilder of walls: Nehemiah would later fulfill this promise (see Neh 2:17 ^u).