Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryIsaiah 58

A Charge against the People.In this section, God tells Isaiah to confront the people with their sins. Before people can be truly comforted, they must first be convicted of their wrongdoings. Conviction helps separate those who are sincere from those who are not. Isaiah’s job is not only to comfort but also to show the people where they have gone wrong, so they can turn back to God.v. 1: God commands Isaiah to speak boldly and honestly to the people. He must cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins . Even though they are called God’s people and have many privileges, Isaiah must not flatter them or hide their faults. He should be clear and strong in his warnings, making sure everyone hears and understands. God sees the sins of his people, even when they do not see them themselves, and he wants them to be confronted with the truth so they can repent.

v. 2: Isaiah also recognizes that the people seem very religious. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways . They are regular in worship, love to hear God’s word, and appear eager to do what is right. They ask about God’s laws and act as if they are a nation that always does what is right. Outwardly, they look good and seem to enjoy being close to God. However, this is not enough. Their religious actions do not cover up their sins. In fact, pretending to be good while still doing wrong makes their sin even worse. God wants them to see their true condition and not be fooled by outward appearances.

A Charge against the People.In these verses, God addresses the hypocrisy of the people’s religious practices. The people complained that God did not notice or reward their fasting and outward shows of religion. They believed they deserved blessings for their rituals, but God explains that true worship must come from the heart and must be shown in their actions toward others.v. 3: The people ask, Why have we fasted, and you do not see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no notice? (Isaiah 58:3 ). They are upset because God does not reward them for their outward religious actions. They boast about their fasting and believe God owes them something. But God points out their mistake. They expect blessings only because of what they do on the outside, not because of a real change of heart. God does not accept worship that is only for show (Job 21:14–15; Malachi 3:14 ).v. 3 (continued) – v. 4: God explains why their fasting is not accepted. Even while they fast, they continue to do wrong. They still act selfishly and are hard on others. You exact all your labours—they are unfair to their workers and do not show mercy, even during religious days. They also fight and quarrel, even coming to blows—you fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness (Isaiah 58:4 ). Their hearts are not changed. God says, if you fast like this, your prayers will not be heard in heaven. True fasting means turning away from sin and treating others with love and fairness, not just going through religious motions (Isaiah 1:13 ).

v. 5: God tells them what real fasting is not. It is not just appearing sad, bowing the head, or lying in sackcloth and ashes. Is it such a fast that I have chosen…to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? . Outward signs mean nothing if the heart is not humble and repentant (Matthew 6:16; Luke 18:13 ). God does not accept a “fast” that is only for show.

v. 6: God explains what kind of fasting he chooses: To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke . True fasting means setting people free from unfair treatment and helping those who are suffering. God wants his people to stop being unjust and to help others experience freedom and relief.

v. 7: God wants his people to be generous and caring. Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh? . True religion is sharing with those in need—feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless, and clothing the poor. We should not ignore the needs of others, especially those who are close to us. God wants our hearts and actions, not just religious rituals.

A Charge against the People; Encouragement to Israelites Indeed.This passage gives wonderful promises to those who truly follow God’s ways, especially those who keep the kind of fast that pleases him. God promises to bless, protect, and guide those who do what is right and show mercy to others. He makes it clear that sincere faith and loving actions lead to real rewards, both from God and from other people.v. 8: If you obey God and care for others, your light will break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily . God will bring you out of darkness and trouble, and your life will become bright and healthy again. Righteousness will go before you, showing others your good example, and God’s glory will protect you from behind.

v. 9: When you call out to God, he will answer you. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord

v. 10: If you show kindness from your heart—if you draw out your soul to the hungry and help those who are troubled—then your light shall rise in obscurity, and your darkness be as the noonday . God will bless you with joy, hope, and honor, even when life seems hard or dark.

v. 11: God promises to guide you always. The Lord

v. 12: Your good example and kindness will bless future generations. They that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places . Your children and descendants will help rebuild and restore what was broken. People will call you the repairer of the breach and the restorer of paths to dwell in. This means your life will make a lasting difference, bringing peace and safety to others.

The Sanctification of the Sabbath.God always made it important for his people to keep the sabbath day holy. For the Jews, especially when they were in Babylon, honoring the sabbath set them apart from those who worshipped idols. The sabbath was a special sign between God and his people, showing both God’s favor and their obedience. These instructions still matter for us today as we seek to honor God in our lives.v. 13: To keep the sabbath holy, we must not treat it like any other day. We should turn away our foot from the sabbath, meaning we don't trample on it or treat it carelessly . We must avoid doing our own work or seeking our own pleasure on this day. Even our words should be different, focused on God and not just on daily life. Instead, we should call the sabbath a delight and honor it as the Lord’s holy day. We should find joy in worship and in spending time with God, and we should invite others to enjoy the sabbath too.

v. 14: When we honor the sabbath, God promises great blessings. Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord