Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 58

This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.

they seek me: They may have been truly committed to a religious form, but they failed to truly meet God in their religious activities.

Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Leviticus 16:29; see Zechariah 7:5). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.

• This passage uses strong language to show the problem with the people’s fasting. Their fasting was only outward religious behavior. They did not truly repent or do what is right.

  Fasting without sincere hearts and righteous actions is empty. It is only for show.

• People wore sackcloth and put ashes on their heads to show sorrow and mourning.

• acceptable to the LORD?: The people wrongly believed that God would bless them if they performed the correct rituals. They thought the actions themselves would bring blessing.

True fasting makes people aware of injustice and oppression. It encourages them to help those in need (see Isaiah 42:7; Matthew 25:35–36; James 1:27).

• your light: The light of the age to come will shine on those who fully turn to the Lord (see Isaiah 42:6–7; 60:1–3). The time of divine judgment and oppression will end.

• your healing: The nation of Israel was wounded when they were conquered and sent into exile.

• your rear guard: See also Isaiah 52:12.

• the LORD will answer: Compare Isaiah 1:15; see also 19:22.

• remove … the pointing of the finger and malicious talk: God asks us to stop actions and words that harm relationships (see Proverbs 6:12–14).

your light … will be like noonday: God would soon rescue and defend his people (see Job 11:17; Psalm 37:6).

Repairer of the Breach: Nehemiah would later fulfill this promise (see Nehemiah 2:17).

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.

• As people honor God through obedience, they themselves will be honored by God

• the heritage of your father Jacob: This includes living with many descendants in the holy land and enjoying God's presence, blessings, and protection (Genesis 31:3; 35:9–12).