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Verse Takeaways
1
God Rejects Empty Rituals
Commentators unanimously explain that God is condemning religious observance that is purely external. The acts of bowing one's head, wearing rough sackcloth, and sitting in ashes are meaningless if they are just a performance. God is not impressed by the outward appearance of sorrow or humility; He desires genuine, heartfelt repentance.
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Book Overview
Isaiah
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Isaiah 58:5
18th Century
Theologian
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? – Is this such a mode of fasting as I have appointed and as I approve?
A day fo…
Charles Ellicott
On Isaiah 58:5
19th Century
Bishop
A day for a man to afflict his soul. —The phrase comes from Leviticus 16:29, and describes the soul-sorrow which was the …
Charles Spurgeon
On Isaiah 58:5
19th Century
Preacher
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and…
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John Calvin
On Isaiah 58:5
16th Century
Theologian
Is it such a fast as I have chosen? He confirms the preceding statement and shows that fasting is neither desired nor approved by God in i…
John Gill
On Isaiah 58:5
17th Century
Pastor
Is it such a fast that I have chosen ? &c.] That is, can this be thought to be a fast approved of by me, and acceptable t…
Matthew Henry
On Isaiah 58:3–12
17th Century
Minister
A fast is a day to afflict the soul; if it does not express true sorrow for sin, and does not promote the putting away of sin, it is not a fast. Th…