Isaiah 58

The Lord Exposes Fake Fasting

1 Cry out loud, do not hold back. Lift your voice like a trumpet. Tell My people their rebellion and the house of Jacob their sins.

2 They act like they seek Me every day and want to know My ways. Like a nation that does what is right and does not ignore God’s commands. They ask Me for decisions and act eager to come near Me.

3 They say, “Why have we fasted and You did not notice, why did we humble ourselves and You did not care?” Because on your fast days you chase your own desires and push your workers hard.

4 Your fasting leads to arguments and fights, and to hitting people with wicked fists. You cannot fast like this and expect your voice to be heard on high.

5 Do you think this is the kind of fast I want, a day for people to look miserable, to bow their heads like a bent reed and put on sackcloth and ashes, is that what you call a fast. A day acceptable to the Lord,

The Fast God Wants

6 This is the fast I choose: to break the chains of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to free the oppressed, and to break every yoke.

7 To share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your house, to clothe the naked when you see them, and not ignore your own family.

Blessings for True Obedience

8 Then your light will break out like the dawn and your healing will show up quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will guard your back.

9 Then you will call and the Lord will answer. You will cry out and He will say, “I am right here.” Remove the yoke from among you. Stop the pointing finger and wicked talk.

10 If you pour out yourself for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will become like midday.

11 The Lord will guide you continually. He will satisfy you in dry places and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden. Like a spring that never runs dry.

12 Your people will rebuild ancient ruins, raise up foundations from long ago. You will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets to live in.

Honor the Sabbath

13 If you keep your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing whatever you want on My holy day. If you call the Sabbath a delight, the Lord’s holy day honorable. And honor it by not doing your own ways, seeking your own pleasure, or talking your own talk.

14 Then you will delight yourself in the Lord. I will make you ride on the heights of the earth and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.