Isa 58:3-7 | 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.

a58:3►

bLev 16:29►

cZech 7:5►

d58:5►

e58:6-7►

f42:7►

gMatt 25:35-36►

hJas 1:27►

‏ Isaiah 58:3-7

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).