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Isaiah 58:1
Verse
Context
True Fasts and Sabbaths
1“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins. 2For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Cry aloud, spare not - Never was a louder cry against the hypocrisy, nor a more cutting reproof of the wickedness, of a people professing a national established religion, having all the forms of godliness without a particle of its power. This chapter has been often appointed to be read on political fast days for the success of wars carried on for - God knows what purposes, and originating in - God knows what motives. Politically speaking, was ever any thing more injudicious?
John Gill Bible Commentary
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet,.... These words are directed to the prophet; and so the Targum expresses it, "O prophet, cry with thy throat;'' and so it is in the original, "cry with the throat" (d), which is an instrument of speech; and it denotes a loud, strong, vehement cry, when a man exerts his voice, and as it were rends his throat, that he may be heard; as well as it shows the intenseness of his spirit, and the vehemence of his affections, and the importance of what he delivers; and this the prophet is encouraged to do, and "spare not", the voice, throat, or his lungs, nor the people neither he was sent unto; or, "cease not", as the Targum, refrain not from speaking, "cease not crying"; so Ben Melech: "lift up thy voice like a trumpet"; like the voice or sound of a trumpet, which is heard afar, and gives an alarm; and to which the Gospel ministry is sometimes compared, Isa 27:13 all which shows the manner in which the ministers of the word should deliver it, publicly, boldly, with ardour and affection; and also the deafness and stupidity of the people which require it: and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins; by whom are meant the professing people of God, the present reformed churches, as distinguished from the antichristian ones, spoken of in the preceding chapter; who yet are guilty of many sins and transgressions, which must be showed them, and they must be sharply reproved for; and particularly their coldness and deadness, formality and hypocrisy in religious worship; their "works not being perfect" before God, or sincere and upright, as is said of the Sardian church, which designs the same persons, Rev 3:1. In the Talmud (e) the words are thus paraphrased, "shew my people their transgression"; these are the disciples of the wise men, whose sins of error or ignorance become to them presumptuous ones; "and the house of Jacob their sins"; these are the people of the earth, or the common people, whose presumptuous sins become to them as sins of ignorance. (d) "clama in gutture", Pagninus, Montanus; "exclama gutture", Junius & Tremellius; "exclama pleno gutture", Piscator; "clama pleno gut ture", Cocceius. (e) T. Bab. Metzia, fol. 33. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
When our Lord Jesus promised to send the Comforter he added, When he shall come he shall convince (Joh 16:7, Joh 16:8); for conviction must prepare for comfort, and must also separate between the precious and the vile, and mark out those to whom comfort does not belong. God had appointed this prophet to comfort his people (Isa 40:1); here he appoints him to convince them, and show them their sins. I. He must tell them how very bad they really were, Isa 58:1. 1. He must deal faithfully and plainly with them. "Though they are called the people of God and the house of Jacob, though they wear an honourable title and character, by which they are interested in many glorious privileges, yet do not flatter them, but show them their transgressions and their sins, be particular in telling them their faults, what sins are committed among them, which they do not know of, nay, what sins are committed by them which they do not acknowledge to be sins; though in some things they are reformed, let them know that in other things they are still as bad as ever. Show them their transgressions and their sins, that is, all their transgressions in their sins, their sins and all the aggravations of them," Lev 16:21. Note, (1.) God sees sin in his people, in the house of Jacob, and is displeased with it. (2.) They are often unapt and unwilling to see their own sins, and need to have them shown them, and to be told, Thus and thus thou hast done. 2. He must be vehement and in good earnest herein, must cry aloud, and not spare, not spare them (not touch them with his reproofs as if he were afraid of hurting them, but search the wound to the bottom, lay it bare to the bone), not spare himself or his own pains, but cry as loud as he can; though he spend his strength and waste his spirits, though he get their ill-will by it and get himself into an ill name, yet he must not spare. He must lift up his voice like a trumpet, to make those hear of their faults that were apt to be deaf when admonition was addressed to them. He must give his reproofs in the most powerful and pressing manner possible, as one who desired to be heeded. The trumpet does not give an uncertain sound, but, though loud and shrill, is intelligible; so must his alarms be, giving them warning of the fatal consequences of sin, Eze 33:3. II. He must acknowledge how very good they seemed to be, notwithstanding (Isa 58:2): Yet they seek me daily. When the prophet went about to show them their transgressions they pleaded that they could see no transgressions which they were guilty of; for they were diligent and constant in attending on God's worship - and what more would he have of them? Now, 1. He owns the matter of fact to be true. As far as hypocrites do that which is good, they shall not be denied the praise of it; let them make their best of it. It is owned that they have a form of godliness. (1.) They go to church, and observe their hours of prayer: They seek me daily; they are very constant in their devotions and never omit them nor suffer any thing to put them by. (2.) They love to hear good preaching; They delight to know my ways, as Herod, who heard John gladly, and the stony ground, that received the seed of the word with joy; it is to them as a lovely song, Eze 33:32. (3.) They seem to take great pleasure in the exercises of religion and to be in their element when they are at their devotions: They delight in approaching to God, not for his sake to whom they approach, but for the sake of some pleasing circumstance, the company, or the festival. (4.) They are inquisitive concerning their duty and seem desirous only to know it, making no question but that then they should do it: They ask of me the ordinances of justice, the rules of piety in the worship of God, the rules of equity in their dealings with men, both which are ordinances of justice. (5.) They appear to the eye of the world as if they made conscience of doing their duty: They are as a nation that did righteousness and forsook not the ordinances of their God; others took them for such, and they themselves pretended to be such. Nothing lay open to view that was a contradiction to their profession, but they seemed to be such as they should be. Note, Men may go a great way towards heaven and yet come short; nay, may go to hell with a good reputation. But, 2. He intimates that this was so far from being a cover or excuse for their sin that really it was an aggravation of it: "Show them their sins which they go on in notwithstanding their knowledge of good and evil, sin and duty, and the convictions of their consciences concerning them."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
58:1-4 This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.
Isaiah 58:1
True Fasts and Sabbaths
1“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins. 2For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Great Apostasy
By David Wilkerson11K1:28:23ApostasyDEU 31:26ISA 30:10ISA 53:5ISA 58:1ISA 60:19EZK 33:31MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and ministries, highlighting how they have shifted the focus away from Jesus Christ. The preacher warns that relying on worldly strategies and entertainment to attract crowds is not the same as having a passion for souls. He also points out the danger of being destroyed by the very blessings that come from depending on the Lord, as they can lead to turning away from God and serving other gods. The sermon references the book of Deuteronomy, specifically chapter 31, to support these warnings.
Hatching Snake Eggs
By David Wilkerson4.0K1:04:51RepentancePSA 35:11PSA 121:1ISA 58:1ISA 59:2MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God to come forward and acknowledge their need for deliverance. The preacher emphasizes that God is with His people and will save them, even in overwhelming situations. He encourages the congregation to have confidence in God's control over every aspect of their lives and to find joy in their relationship with Him. The sermon concludes with an invitation to request a copy of the message and contact information for further communication.
The Sin of Silence
By Laurence White3.6K42:51EXO 20:3ISA 58:1EZK 33:6MAT 5:13ROM 13:3EPH 6:10JAS 4:17In this sermon, the speaker urges Christians in America to take action against evil and fight for righteousness. He references the story of the White Rose, a group of university students in Munich who resisted the Hitler regime, as an example of the courage and faith needed in times of trial. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the current moment, or "kairos," as an opportunity to serve God and preserve the legacy of faith and freedom. He also criticizes the lack of moral leadership in politics and calls for a return to righteousness and justice in the nation's business.
God's Grief Over His People
By David Wilkerson3.5K42:50RepentanceEXO 20:3PSA 37:7ISA 51:1ISA 58:1MAT 6:33ROM 15:4HEB 3:12In this sermon, the minister shares various stories and concerns about the state of the church and God's people. He mentions a pastor whose wife left him, grandparents who feel disconnected from their Christian grandchildren, and a church in New Jersey that has started incorporating ballroom dancing into their services. The minister also shares a powerful testimony of a woman named Lucy who had a personal encounter with Jesus, where he expressed his weariness with his bride, the church. The sermon emphasizes the need for God's people to love and prioritize their relationship with Him, as He desires to be loved by His bride.
What Holds Back Revival
By Don Courville3.4K14:07RevivalEXO 14:21PSA 85:6ISA 57:15ISA 58:1HOS 10:12MAT 6:33MRK 6:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of doing kind deeds as a way to open doors for sharing one's testimony. The preacher also highlights the need for personal salvation and staying excited about Jesus throughout one's life. The lack of care for the lost and neglect of spiritual input and concern for family members who are not saved are identified as reasons why God may not be blessing. The sermon also addresses sins of commission, such as worldly mindedness, pride, envy, bitterness, slander, lying, and cheating. The preacher calls for repentance, remembering the days when God's glory was present, and a renewed love for souls and sharing the gospel with neighbors.
Holiness and Redemption
By B.H. Clendennen2.3K42:42RedemptionEXO 3:5LEV 11:1NUM 3:13NUM 8:17ISA 58:1MRK 9:17JHN 19:30In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God reveals himself as the redeemer of his chosen people. He allowed them to go through oppression, slavery, and misery to prepare their hearts for redemption. The Passover is seen as a transition from the physical to the spiritual, symbolizing God's deliverance from bondage and the angel of death. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be conformed to Christ and to focus on the spiritual rather than the temporal things of the world.
Call for the Wailing Women - Part 2
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss2.0K08:54ISA 58:1JER 8:21HOS 10:12JOL 2:12AMO 5:14This sermon emphasizes the urgent call to wake up from complacency and recognize the troubles in our society, homes, and churches. It highlights the prevalence of sin, brokenness, and moral decay, urging listeners to acknowledge the severity of the current condition and the impending judgment of God. The message challenges individuals to confront the reality of their situations and the need for repentance and revival.
Facing God's Judgment - Part 2
By Derek Prince1.9K28:472CH 7:14PSA 51:17ISA 58:1EZK 22:30JOL 2:12AMO 6:1MAT 5:131CO 11:31JAS 4:8REV 3:19This sermon by Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of judgment, repentance, and taking responsibility for the spiritual and social conditions that lead to moral decay. Derek Prince shares a prophetic message about God's disappointment with America and the need for individuals to seek God's heart for the nation. The sermon challenges Christians to stand in the gap, repent, and intercede for their land to avoid impending disaster.
Diluted Christianity
By Bill McLeod1.8K54:37LukewarmnessISA 58:1REV 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of good works in the lives of believers. He references Ephesians 2:10 and Titus, highlighting that believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works and should be careful to maintain them. The preacher also discusses the need to live a godly life, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. He shares a personal anecdote about a young man being led to Christ in a somewhat superficial manner, highlighting the importance of genuine salvation. The sermon concludes with a reminder from Isaiah and Revelation about the need to confront and repent of sin in order to truly please God.
The Lord's Day
By Aaron Hurst1.8K1:29:42SabbathGEN 2:1EXO 20:8EXO 31:12ISA 58:1In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of being drawn to God and being infected by His love. He quotes Isaiah 58, where God promises blessings to those who show compassion to the hungry and afflicted. Brother Denny encourages the audience to not just claim their freedom as Christians, but to actively share and spread the message of God's love. He concludes by reminding them of the greatness of God and His promises, including the return of Jesus Christ. The sermon is available for free on the Charity Ministries website and can be shared with others.
Studies in Isaiah - Part 6
By Harry Ironside1.7K46:32ExpositoryPRO 16:7ISA 15:9ISA 40:3ISA 48:22ISA 49:6ISA 58:1ISA 60:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a clear understanding of the outline of the Bible. He mentions that the book of Isaiah can be divided into three parts: chapters 40-48 focus on God's controversy with Israel regarding idolatry, chapters 49-57 address Israel's attitude towards the Messiah, and the rest of the book (chapters 58 to the end) emphasizes the ministry designed to exercise the conscience in view of the coming glory. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of studying and memorizing the outline of each chapter in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the book. He shares a personal practice of going over a book repeatedly until he can recall the leading theme of each chapter with ease.
Ger-17 True Repentance for the German
By Art Katz1.7K1:25:57GermanJOB 42:7PRO 29:25ISA 40:1ISA 54:17ISA 58:1ACT 17:30ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a church that truly loves and cares for its members' souls. They argue that such a church will not shy away from speaking the truth, even if it is not appreciated or understood. The speaker specifically addresses the Jewish community, urging them to acknowledge their sins and transgressions, including the Holocaust, as a judgment from God. They call for authentic repentance and a willingness to surrender one's own interests for God's purpose. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to come forward and demonstrate their repentance by kneeling at the platform.
The History of Rock - Part 2
By Alan Ives1.7K1:57:00Rock MusicPSA 9:1ISA 58:1JER 10:2MAT 6:33ROM 12:11EPH 3:20COL 3:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of maintaining a natural and normal approach to music in worship. He compares the excitement and thrill of extra musical notes to the simplicity and beauty of hymns sung by a group of 16 men. The preacher also reflects on the influence of rock and roll music in promoting a philosophy of freedom and rebellion. He emphasizes the power of God's word and the need to communicate with clarity and flow in our speech. Additionally, the preacher briefly mentions examples of popular music from the 1950s and 2000s to illustrate the changing trends in music over time.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K47:47Divine PurposeISA 58:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and purpose in the Christian life. He states that true vision and purpose are not just talked about, but are evidenced by a deep incentive and energy to pursue a specific goal. The speaker uses the example of the apostle Paul, who had a singular focus and was not tentative or uncertain in his pursuit of God's purpose. He encourages the audience to commit themselves to the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill their purpose as Christians.
Joel - the Work of the Holy Spirit in You
By Richard A. Bennett1.1K57:212CH 7:142CH 30:21PSA 51:17ISA 58:1JOL 2:15MAT 24:12JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of confessing sins individually rather than in bundles. He highlights the role of leaders in the church, such as priests, ministers, Bible school students, evangelists, and youth leaders, in leading the congregation in repentance. The speaker shares a personal experience of a powerful prayer meeting where the glory of God was felt, leading to people finding salvation. The sermon also emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of Christianity beyond superficial expressions of faith, and the importance of being prepared for the spiritual battle that awaits believers.
Hidden Sin in the Heart
By Joshua Daniel63243:37EXO 20:1PRO 16:18ISA 58:1MAT 5:16MRK 4:17MRK 7:211CO 13:4JAS 3:161PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening and revival, highlighting the challenges faced by Christians in standing firm for the truth and enduring persecution. It addresses the importance of rooting out hidden sins, standing against societal moral decline, and serving with humility and love. The speaker also discusses the impact of negative thoughts, pride, and greed on individuals and society, calling for a return to foundational truths like the Ten Commandments and a focus on spreading the gospel despite challenges.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 483
By Don Courville30722:31Radio ShowPSA 85:6ISA 57:15ISA 58:1MAT 5:3MRK 6:5REV 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses what holds back revival and encourages listeners to examine their own lives. He highlights several factors that hinder revival, including unbelief, neglect of prayer and prayer meetings, and a lack of love for souls. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with others and being a positive influence in one's neighborhood. He also acknowledges the need for repentance and asks for God's mercy and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the nation. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God's power and not be critical, and also mentions the importance of financial support for spreading the gospel and supporting missionaries.
Recovering Spiritual Life
By Phil Beach Jr.2039:58Spiritual RenewalInner Life vs. Outward ReligionSpiritual GrowthISA 58:1Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need for the church to recover its spiritual life, warning against the dangers of outward religion that lacks inward sincerity. He draws from Isaiah and 1 Samuel to illustrate how Israel's reliance on external rituals led to spiritual decline and defeat, highlighting that God values the condition of the heart over mere religious practices. Beach calls for a return to genuine relationship with God, urging believers to examine their hearts and seek true spiritual maturity. He stresses that the church must not be deceived by outward appearances but should focus on cultivating a vibrant inner life with Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for personal and corporate revival within the church.
Is This Our Last Stand?
By Shane Idleman191:00:58Faith in ActionRevival and EngagementPRO 18:21ISA 58:1JER 33:3MAT 5:13ROM 12:2Shane Idleman addresses the pressing question, 'Is This Our Last Stand?' emphasizing the urgency for Christians to engage actively in their faith and societal issues rather than retreating in apathy. He reflects on a recent gathering of Christian leaders, highlighting the need for a revival in America and the importance of prioritizing God's Word over divisive conspiracy theories. Shane encourages believers to be the salt and light in their communities, advocating for involvement in political and social matters while maintaining a spirit of love and truth. He warns against the dangers of complacency and urges the church to rise up in faith, reminding them that their words and actions carry significant weight in shaping the future for the next generation.
If My Pastors - Silence Is Not an Option
By Shane Idleman1432:45The Role of PastorsBoldness in Preaching2CH 7:14ISA 58:1JER 1:10MAT 5:14Shane Idleman addresses the divide within the church regarding different callings and passions, emphasizing that pastors must not remain silent on critical issues like abortion and social justice. He argues that the primary role of pastors is to preach the gospel boldly and to be watchmen for their communities, rather than seeking popularity. Idleman stresses the importance of being filled with the Spirit and returning to biblical preaching that convicts and restores, rather than avoiding difficult truths. He calls for pastors to humble themselves, seek God's face, and lead their congregations in repentance to bring about national change. Ultimately, he reminds the audience that God plus one is a majority, and true change begins with a heart aligned with God's will.
Tell My People Their Sins
By Shane Idleman1203:24RepentanceTrue FastingISA 58:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of addressing sin in the lives of believers, referencing Isaiah 58 where God expresses His displeasure with empty fasting and prayers. He urges the congregation to recognize that true fasting must be accompanied by humility and a genuine release from sin, as their transgressions hinder their relationship with God. Idleman calls for a bold proclamation of truth, encouraging preachers to lift their voices and confront sin rather than seeking approval from their audience. He highlights that God desires a heart aligned with His will, and only then will prayers be heard and answered. The sermon serves as a reminder that true fasting involves caring for the needy and aligning one's heart with God's purposes.
The Battle Cry of Isaiah - Awake & Arise!
By Shane Idleman101:12:00RepentanceAwakeningISA 57:15ISA 58:1ISA 59:1ISA 60:1Shane Idleman passionately preaches about the urgent need for the church to awaken and arise, drawing parallels between the prophetic messages of Isaiah and the current state of America. He emphasizes the importance of addressing idolatry, pride, and spiritual apathy, urging believers to engage in heartfelt repentance and to boldly proclaim the truth of God's Word. Idleman calls for a battle cry against the darkness, encouraging Christians to rise up with humility and brokenness, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower them to make a difference in a world filled with sin and confusion. He stresses that true change begins with a heart cry that leads to a battle cry, and that God desires to dwell with those who are contrite and humble. Ultimately, he challenges the church to be a light in the darkness, to repair the breaches in society, and to live out their faith with courage and conviction.
Is the Prophetic Movement Failing God??
By Andrew Strom0ISA 58:1JER 1:10AMO 3:71CO 14:3REV 3:19Andrew Strom delivers a powerful message on the failure of the modern prophetic movement, highlighting how many prophets have compromised with the status quo, failed to bring uncomfortable truths, and become supporters of lukewarmness. He emphasizes the urgent need for prophets to rebuke, chasten, and call for repentance in a time when the church is at risk of being rejected by God. Strom challenges the current prophetic movement to return to its radical mandate of bringing massive change and shaking the church with uncompromising messages.
Worse Than Sodom?
By Anton Bosch0GEN 19:242CH 7:14ISA 58:1MAT 5:13LUK 17:26EPH 5:31TH 5:17JAS 5:161PE 1:16JUD 1:23Anton Bosch addresses the alarming trend of churches using worldly tactics like sex-themed promotions to attract people, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of compromising the Gospel for numbers, money, and power. He highlights the urgent need for the true church to wake up, cleanse their hearts, families, and churches, and be the holy, set-apart people God has called them to be. Bosch urges believers to fervently pray for God's will to be done, for the salvation of souls, and to intercede for those caught up in false teachings. He emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, teaching the Bible, and upholding Godly standards of holiness in a world where the lines between right and wrong have been blurred.
Stumbling-Blocks Removed.
By Daniel Steele0ISA 58:1ROM 6:6ROM 7:25ROM 8:21CO 11:1GAL 2:20Daniel Steele preaches on the seventh chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, challenging the interpretation that it portrays a regenerate soul. He argues that the chapter actually depicts a convicted Jew striving for moral rectitude without divine grace, leading to continual condemnation and failure. Steele emphasizes the contrast between the inefficiency of the law and the effectiveness of the gospel in transforming human character, highlighting the need for reliance on the abounding grace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for true sanctification.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Cry aloud, spare not - Never was a louder cry against the hypocrisy, nor a more cutting reproof of the wickedness, of a people professing a national established religion, having all the forms of godliness without a particle of its power. This chapter has been often appointed to be read on political fast days for the success of wars carried on for - God knows what purposes, and originating in - God knows what motives. Politically speaking, was ever any thing more injudicious?
John Gill Bible Commentary
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet,.... These words are directed to the prophet; and so the Targum expresses it, "O prophet, cry with thy throat;'' and so it is in the original, "cry with the throat" (d), which is an instrument of speech; and it denotes a loud, strong, vehement cry, when a man exerts his voice, and as it were rends his throat, that he may be heard; as well as it shows the intenseness of his spirit, and the vehemence of his affections, and the importance of what he delivers; and this the prophet is encouraged to do, and "spare not", the voice, throat, or his lungs, nor the people neither he was sent unto; or, "cease not", as the Targum, refrain not from speaking, "cease not crying"; so Ben Melech: "lift up thy voice like a trumpet"; like the voice or sound of a trumpet, which is heard afar, and gives an alarm; and to which the Gospel ministry is sometimes compared, Isa 27:13 all which shows the manner in which the ministers of the word should deliver it, publicly, boldly, with ardour and affection; and also the deafness and stupidity of the people which require it: and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins; by whom are meant the professing people of God, the present reformed churches, as distinguished from the antichristian ones, spoken of in the preceding chapter; who yet are guilty of many sins and transgressions, which must be showed them, and they must be sharply reproved for; and particularly their coldness and deadness, formality and hypocrisy in religious worship; their "works not being perfect" before God, or sincere and upright, as is said of the Sardian church, which designs the same persons, Rev 3:1. In the Talmud (e) the words are thus paraphrased, "shew my people their transgression"; these are the disciples of the wise men, whose sins of error or ignorance become to them presumptuous ones; "and the house of Jacob their sins"; these are the people of the earth, or the common people, whose presumptuous sins become to them as sins of ignorance. (d) "clama in gutture", Pagninus, Montanus; "exclama gutture", Junius & Tremellius; "exclama pleno gutture", Piscator; "clama pleno gut ture", Cocceius. (e) T. Bab. Metzia, fol. 33. 2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
When our Lord Jesus promised to send the Comforter he added, When he shall come he shall convince (Joh 16:7, Joh 16:8); for conviction must prepare for comfort, and must also separate between the precious and the vile, and mark out those to whom comfort does not belong. God had appointed this prophet to comfort his people (Isa 40:1); here he appoints him to convince them, and show them their sins. I. He must tell them how very bad they really were, Isa 58:1. 1. He must deal faithfully and plainly with them. "Though they are called the people of God and the house of Jacob, though they wear an honourable title and character, by which they are interested in many glorious privileges, yet do not flatter them, but show them their transgressions and their sins, be particular in telling them their faults, what sins are committed among them, which they do not know of, nay, what sins are committed by them which they do not acknowledge to be sins; though in some things they are reformed, let them know that in other things they are still as bad as ever. Show them their transgressions and their sins, that is, all their transgressions in their sins, their sins and all the aggravations of them," Lev 16:21. Note, (1.) God sees sin in his people, in the house of Jacob, and is displeased with it. (2.) They are often unapt and unwilling to see their own sins, and need to have them shown them, and to be told, Thus and thus thou hast done. 2. He must be vehement and in good earnest herein, must cry aloud, and not spare, not spare them (not touch them with his reproofs as if he were afraid of hurting them, but search the wound to the bottom, lay it bare to the bone), not spare himself or his own pains, but cry as loud as he can; though he spend his strength and waste his spirits, though he get their ill-will by it and get himself into an ill name, yet he must not spare. He must lift up his voice like a trumpet, to make those hear of their faults that were apt to be deaf when admonition was addressed to them. He must give his reproofs in the most powerful and pressing manner possible, as one who desired to be heeded. The trumpet does not give an uncertain sound, but, though loud and shrill, is intelligible; so must his alarms be, giving them warning of the fatal consequences of sin, Eze 33:3. II. He must acknowledge how very good they seemed to be, notwithstanding (Isa 58:2): Yet they seek me daily. When the prophet went about to show them their transgressions they pleaded that they could see no transgressions which they were guilty of; for they were diligent and constant in attending on God's worship - and what more would he have of them? Now, 1. He owns the matter of fact to be true. As far as hypocrites do that which is good, they shall not be denied the praise of it; let them make their best of it. It is owned that they have a form of godliness. (1.) They go to church, and observe their hours of prayer: They seek me daily; they are very constant in their devotions and never omit them nor suffer any thing to put them by. (2.) They love to hear good preaching; They delight to know my ways, as Herod, who heard John gladly, and the stony ground, that received the seed of the word with joy; it is to them as a lovely song, Eze 33:32. (3.) They seem to take great pleasure in the exercises of religion and to be in their element when they are at their devotions: They delight in approaching to God, not for his sake to whom they approach, but for the sake of some pleasing circumstance, the company, or the festival. (4.) They are inquisitive concerning their duty and seem desirous only to know it, making no question but that then they should do it: They ask of me the ordinances of justice, the rules of piety in the worship of God, the rules of equity in their dealings with men, both which are ordinances of justice. (5.) They appear to the eye of the world as if they made conscience of doing their duty: They are as a nation that did righteousness and forsook not the ordinances of their God; others took them for such, and they themselves pretended to be such. Nothing lay open to view that was a contradiction to their profession, but they seemed to be such as they should be. Note, Men may go a great way towards heaven and yet come short; nay, may go to hell with a good reputation. But, 2. He intimates that this was so far from being a cover or excuse for their sin that really it was an aggravation of it: "Show them their sins which they go on in notwithstanding their knowledge of good and evil, sin and duty, and the convictions of their consciences concerning them."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
58:1-4 This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.