Isaiah 58:3

"Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways. As a nation that did righteousness, and didn’t forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments. They delight to draw near to God."

Key Reflection

The people of Israel believed they were genuinely seeking and pleasing God by their daily religious observances and adherence to his laws. They thought their regular worship and strict adherence to ordinances demonstrated true righteousness and devotion. However, this passage in Isaiah challenges that perception, revealing the underlying hypocrisy—though outwardly pious, these actions did not stem from genuine faith or repentance but rather a desire for superficial religious benefits and judgments.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Wherefore have we fasted -They had fasted much, evidently with the expectation of delivering themselves from impending calamities, and securing the divine favor. They are here introduced as saying that they had been disappointed. God had not interposed as they had expected. Chagrined and mortified, they now complain that he had not noticed their very conscientious and faithful regard for the duties of religion. And thou seest not? -All had been in vain. Calamities still impended; judgments threatened; and there were no tokens of the divine approbation. Hypocrites depend on their fastings and prayers as laying God under obligation to save them.

More from Isaiah 58

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