Isaiah 58:4

"‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you don’t see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and you don’t notice?’ “Behold, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and oppress all your laborers."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 58:4 reveals a critical disconnection between religious ritual and genuine devotion. The people had engaged in fasting, a common practice of the time believed to bring divine favor or intercession. However, they did so with self-centered intentions—fasting for personal gain rather than seeking God's presence or compassion. This cultural context highlights the superficial nature of their piety: while they fasted and felt deprivation, Isaiah points out that on these days, they took pleasure in oppressing their workers, indicating a dissonance between their outward acts and inner motives.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Behold, ye fast for strife and debate -This is a third characteristic of their manner of fasting, and a third reason why God did not regard and accept it. They were divided into parties and factions, and probably made their fastings an occasion of augmented contention and strife. How often has this been seen! Contending denominations of Christians fast, not laying aside their strifes; contending factions in the church fast in order to strengthen their party with the solemn sanctions of religion.

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