Isaiah 58:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 58:6

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? - Fasting is right and proper; but that which God approves will prompt to, and will be followed by, deeds of justice, kindness, charity. The prophet proceeds to specify very particularly what God required, and when the observance of seasons of fasting would be acceptable to him.To loose the bands of wickedness - This is the first thing to be done in order that their fasting might be acceptable to the Lord. The idea is, that they were to dissolve every... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Isaiah 58:6

Isaiah 58:6. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? Or approve, as before, Isaiah 58:5. Or ought not such a fast to be accompanied with such things as these? He now proceeds to show the concomitants of a true fast; namely, to exercise works of justice and charity. To loose the bands of wickedness Namely, the cruel obligations of usury and oppression. To undo the heavy burdens Hebrew, the bundles of the yoke, as in the margin; by which may possibly be intended bundles of writings,... 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 58:6

bands = pangs. See note on Psalms 73:4 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 58:6

6. loose . . . bands of wickedness—that is, to dissolve every tie wherewith one has unjustly bound his fellow men ( :-, c.). Servitude, a fraudulent contract, &c. undo . . . heavy burdens—Hebrew, "loose the bands of the yoke." oppressed—literally, "the broken." The expression, "to let go free," implies that those "broken" with the yoke of slavery, are meant (Nehemiah 5:10-12 Jeremiah 34:9-11; Jeremiah 34:14; Jeremiah 34:16). JEROME interprets it, broken with poverty; bankrupt. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:6

The type of fasting that pleases God is: giving up wickedness, oppression, enslavement, and binding of other people-not just food. Isaiah did not mean, of course, that God had no concern about His people going without food (cf. Leviticus 16:31). The prophet was going to the opposite extreme to make a point (cf. Isaiah 1:10-20; Amos 5:25-27; Micah 6:6-8; Luke 14:26)."If they want to deprive themselves, let them do it for the sake of the oppressed, the needy, and the helpless, not for the sake of... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:6-14

True worship 58:6-14Isaiah contrasted God’s conception of fasting with that of His people (cf. Matthew 6:16-18). 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 58:6

(6) To loose the bands of wickedness.—The words do not exclude abstinence from food as an act of discipline and victory over self-indulgence, but declare its insufficiency by itself. So in the practice of the ancient Church fasting and almsgiving were closely connected, as indeed they are in Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:16. The history of the emancipation of the slaves and of their subsequent return to bondage presents a curious illustration of the prophet’s words (Jeremiah 34:8-22). The truth which... read more

Group of Brands