Isaiah 58:1–5

Fasting that Pleases God

58 “Cry aloud, 1spare not;

Lift up your voice like a trumpet;

aTell 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 did not forsake the ordinance of their God.

They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;

They take delight in approaching God.

3 ‘Why bhave we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?

Why have we cafflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’

“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,

And 2exploit all your laborers.

4 dIndeed you fast for strife and debate,

And to strike with the fist of wickedness.

You will not fast as you do this day,

To make your voice heard on high.

5 Is eit a fast that I have chosen,

fA day for a man to afflict his soul?

Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,

And gto spread out sackcloth and ashes?

Would you call this a fast,

And an acceptable day to the Lord?