Isaiah 58 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

2. Did righteousness] i.e. kept the law. They are ready enough for the external requirements of religion.

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.

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 the prophet declares its uselessness when divorced from the spirit of love. Our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount closely connects fasting and almsgiving (Matthew 6:1; Matthew 6:16).

The heavy burdens] RV 'the bands of the yoke.'

Health] RV 'healing.' Thy righteousness] i.e. thy inward personal righteousness: cp. Isaiah 1:27 or, perhaps, 'thy justification in the eyes of the world': cp. Isaiah 54:17; Shall be thy rereward] i.e. shall protect thee. The allusion is to the exodus, when the visible manifestation of Jehovah's presence was a defence to the Israelites from the Egyptians pursuing in the rear (Exodus 14:19). Rereward] i.e. rearguard.

Yoke] i.e. of enforced or oppressive labour. Putting.. finger] i.e. in scorn. Vanity] RV 'wickedly.'

Draw out, etc.] i.e. supply to the hungry such things as thou thyself desirest.

11. Fat] RV 'strong.'

Primarily the prophet contemplates the restoration of the ruined buildings of Jerusalem, but the wider spiritual application of his words is obvious. The faithful soul is not only itself fruitful (Isaiah 58:11), but a means of bringing help and blessing to others.

Turn away thy foot from the sabbath] so as not to profane it.

Cause thee, etc.] i.e. give thee triumphant possession of the land.