Isaiah 58:3

Why have we fasted, and thou hast not regarded: have we humbled our souls, and thou hast not taken notice? Behold in the day of your fast your own will is found, and you exact of all your debtors.

Douay-Rheims 1899

In The King James Version

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

In Context

2For they seek me from day to day, sad desire to know my ways, as a nation that hath done justice, and hath not forsaken the judgment of their God: they ask of me the judgments of justice: they are willing to approach to God.

4Behold you fast for debates and strife. and strike with the fist wickedly. Do not fast as you have done until this day, to make your cry to be heard on high.

Read all of Isaiah 58

Cross References

Exodus 2:23Now after a long time the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel groaning, cried out because of the works: and their cry went up unto God from the works.

Leviticus 16:31For it is a sabbath of rest, and you shall afflict your souls by a perpetual religion.

Numbers 23:4And when he was gone with speed, God met him. And Balaam speaking to him, said: I have erected seven altars, and have laid on everyone a calf and a ram.

Job 34:9For he hath said : Man shall not please God, although he run with him.

Proverbs 28:9He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination.

Isaiah 47:6I was angry with my people, I have polluted my inheritance, and have given them into thy bend: thou hast shewn no mercy to them: upon the ancient thou hast laid thy yoke exceeding heavy.

Matthew Henry on Isaiah 58:2-3

A Charge against the People. ( b. c. 706.) 1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. When our Lord Jesus promised to send the Comforter he added, When he shall come he shall convince ( John xvi. 7, 8 ); for… Read the whole commentary →

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