isaiah-58:3-nkjv,nlt

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 58:3

Isaiah 58:3. Wherefore have we fasted, &c. They complain of hard usage from God; that although they prayed, and fasted, and observed the rest of his ordinances, all which are comprehended under the title of fasting, all their labour was lost, and God neither delivered nor regarded them. Wherefore have we afflicted our soul Defrauded our appetites with fasting, of which this phrase is used, Leviticus 16:29; Leviticus 23:27; Leviticus 23:29. Behold, in the day of your fast In those... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 58:1-14

True religion (58:1-14)The Jews thought they were a righteous people because they carried out the daily rituals required by the law. The prophet is about to show them that in spite of all this they are still sinners. In fact, their attitude towards these rituals is their chief sin (58:1-2).For example, many practise fasting not because they are truly humble before God, but because they hope God will be impressed with their actions. But at the same time as they fast, they oppress their workers... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 58:3

Wherefore . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. afflicted our soul. Reference to Pentateuch. This is a strictly Levitical technical expression (Leviticus 16:29 , Leviticus 16:31 ; Leviticus 23:27 , Leviticus 23:32 .Numbers 29:7; Numbers 29:7 ). This shows that the People were not in exile as alleged, but in the Land. See also the references to other observances below (Isaiah 58:13 ). Note that in Isaiah 58:0 and Isaiah 59:0 we have the reference to the Day of Atonement; in Isaiah 60:0 and... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 58:3

Isaiah 58:3. Behold, &c.— "You gratify your passions, especially your covetousness: you oppress the poor, and therefore are defective in the duties of justice and charity." By labours are meant those riches which are gotten by the toil and fatigue of ourselves or others; and by exacting our labours, in the style of the Mosaic law, is meant, the rigorous insisting upon payment, where the debtor is unable to make it. The next verse fully explains this clause; and no reader can fail to admire... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 58:3

3. Wherefore—the words of the Jews: "Why is it that, when we fast, Thou dost not notice it" (by delivering us)? They think to lay God under obligation to their fasting (Psalms 73:13; Malachi 3:14). afflicted . . . soul— (Leviticus 16:29). Behold—God's reply. pleasure—in antithesis to their boast of having "afflicted their soul"; it was only in outward show they really enjoyed themselves. GESENIUS not so well translates, "business." exact . . . labours—rather, "oppressive labors" [MAURER].... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:1-5

False worship 58:1-5Many of the Israelites were relying on their practice of the Mosaic rites to satisfy God. The true meaning of the rites had not affected their lives. God intended the system of worship He prescribed to illustrate the importance of a heart relationship with Himself that should affect interpersonal relationships. This pericope exposes the superficial attitude of many of God’s people with strong irony. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:3

They could not understand why God had not blessed them-because they had fasted and humbled themselves (cf. Malachi 3:13-15). The only fast that the Mosaic Law commanded was on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32). But the Israelites also fasted voluntarily, even in Isaiah’s day. [Note: On the practice of fasting, see Kent D. Berghuis, "A Biblical Perspective on Fasting," Bibliotheca Sacra 158:629 (January-March 2001):86-103.] The reason God had not blessed them was that when they fasted,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 58:1-14

2. Did righteousness] i.e. kept the law. They are ready enough for the external requirements of religion. 3. The questions express surprise that the fast is without effect.Find pleasure, etc.] render, ’carry on business and oppress all your labourers.’ With all their professions of self-denial they are selfish.4. For strife] i.e. strife is the result of this formal fasting. Ye shall not, etc.] RV ’ye fast not this day so as to make your voice,’ etc.5-7. Literal fasting is not here excluded, but... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 58:1-24

The Glorious Future of the Jewish RaceThis concluding group of chapters is chiefly distinguished by glowing pictures of the future of Jerusalem, when the Jews shall be restored to their land again. A glorious restoration is promised (Isaiah 60:1-2; Isaiah 61:4, Isaiah 61:10-11), all nations are tobe members of the restored city (Isaiah 60:3-5), the glories of which are vividly pictured (Isaiah 60:6), the crowning glory being the holiness of the citizens (Isaiah 60:21). The fulfilment of the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 58:3

(3) Wherefore have we fasted . . .—The words remind us of those of a much later prophet (Malachi 3:14), but the complaints of the unconscious hypocrites who are amazed that their service is not accepted as sincere are in every age the same. Only one fast, that of the Day of Atonement, was prescribed by the Law. In practice, however, they were often held in times of calamity (comp. Isaiah 32:12; Joel 1:13; 2 Chronicles 20:3),and we may legitimately think of them as having been more or less... read more

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 58:3

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 58:1-14

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 58:3

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 58:3

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 58:3

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:1-5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:3

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 58:1-14

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Isaiah 58:1-24

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Isaiah 58:3

Group of Brands