Isaiah 58:9

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Isaiah 58:9

cry. In distress. read more

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Isaiah 58:9

"If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday; and Jehovah will guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in dry places, and make strong thy bones; and thou shalt be as a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Isaiah 58:9

Isaiah 58:9. The putting forth of the finger— That is, says Grotius, "If thou shalt cease with the finger of contempt to mark out good men, and to mock and despise their simplicity and sincerity." In this and the subsequent verses, the prophet elegantly repeats and enlarges upon what he had delivered in the former period. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 58:9

9. Then . . . call . . . answer—when sin is renounced (Isaiah 65:24). When the Lord's call is not hearkened to, He will not hear our "call" (Psalms 66:18; Proverbs 1:24; Proverbs 1:28; Proverbs 15:29; Proverbs 28:9). putting forth of . . . finger—the finger of scorn pointed at simple-minded godly men. The middle finger was so used by the Romans. speaking vanity—every injurious speech [LOWTH]. 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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Isaiah 58:9

The Lord would hear their prayers, and they would enjoy His presence (cf. Isaiah 58:1-3). Making self the focus of life, in contrast, results in darkness (cf. Isaiah 5:20; Isaiah 8:20; Isaiah 47:5; Isaiah 60:2), disease (cf. Isaiah 1:5), defeat (cf. Isaiah 1:7), and separation (cf. Isaiah 1:4). For these blessings to come, God’s people needed to stop oppressing others, and to stop mocking and showing contempt for others with wicked speech (cf. Isaiah 57:4; Isaiah 66:5). Notice the "if . . .... 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 58:9

(9) Then shalt thou call.—The words point to the secret of the prayer which is answered in contrast to the formal worship that found no acceptance (Isaiah 58:2; Isaiah 58:4).The putting forth of the finger.—The gesture (Cheyne compares the “infamis digitus” of Persius ii. 33) has in well-nigh all nations been a natural symbol of scorn. It is in action what the words “Raca” and “Thou fool” are in the language of Matthew 5:22. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Isaiah 58:1-14

The Dangers of Fasting (Ash Wednesday) Isaiah 58:1 There are two classes of people to whom Lent brings no blessing those who do not keep it at all, and those who, while they observe it with outward formalities and even with strictness, yet do not keep it in the spirit of true penitence. I. What a strange picture is here drawn! a nation seemingly most religious, not only fulfilling the ordinances of religion, but delighting in them, and yet absolutely without spiritual life. This character is... read more

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