We have often been told that Isaiah 58 teaches us the benefits gained from fasting. This is viewed as purifying and humbling ourselves before God. We accompany our requests of God by denying ourselves food and sometimes drink. This act, in conjunction with prayer, is seen as a way of gaining a favorable response from God on our behalf. So teaches Isaiah chapter 58.
The chapter opens with a command to cry out and confront the people with their continual sinful behavior. God says, they seek me daily and delight to know my ways as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and lived according to God’s ordinances. They say we have fasted; we have humbled ourselves, but Lord, You have not responded. (Isa 58:3)
God responds by saying, you have fasted but have not turned from the practice of sin. You cry out to Me but continue to disobey My commands. You have denied yourself food, but you have not discontinued your sinful behavior. Is this the fast you expect me to honor? Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. ESV (Isaiah 58:4).
Then God asks a series of questions. Is the fast I choose a day for a person to humble himself? A day to bow down his head like a reed and to spread sackcloth and ashes under himself? Do you call this a fast acceptable to the Lord? (Isaiah 58:5). This alone is not an acceptable fast, obedience is required.
But, He says, this is the fast I have chosen. To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke. Is it not to provide food for the hungry, care for the poor, clothe the naked, and care for your own brethren? (Isaiah 58: 6-7).
It is only when you have done these things that you will receive the favorable response you are seeking. It is then that your light shall break forth like the dawn, your healing shall spring up speedily, your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here am I’. (Isaiah 58:8-9).
God says: if you feed the hungry and care for the afflicted, then shall your light arise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
*It is then, the LORD will guide you continually, satisfy your desires, and strengthen your bones. *It is then, you shall be like a watered garden, a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
*It is then, your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt, you shall raise up the foundations of many generations, you shall be called the repairer of the breach and the restorer of streets to dwell in.
*It is then, you shall take delight in the LORD, and God will make you ride on the heights of the earth. (Isaiah 58:10-14).
It is compassionate care for the poor and oppressed that positions us to receive favor from God. So teaches Isaiah 58.
R Swenson
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