Isaiah 58:2

Isaiah 58:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For 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.”

King James Version KJV

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

American Standard Version ASV

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near unto God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Though they make prayer to me every day, and take pleasure in the knowledge of my ways: like a nation which has done righteousness, and has not given up the rules of their God, they make requests to me for the right orders, it is their delight to come near to God.

Free Bible Version FBV

Every day they come to me, pleased to know my ways as if they were a nation that does what is right and follows the laws of their God! They ask me to treat them right; they like to be close to their God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Yet they seeke me dayly, and will knowe my wayes, euen as a nation that did righteously, and had not forsaken the statutes of their God: they aske of me the ordinances of iustice: they wil drawe neere vnto God, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Seeing — Me day by day they seek, And the knowledge of My ways they desire, As a nation that righteousness hath done, And the judgment of its God hath not forsaken, They ask of me judgments of righteousness, The drawing near of God they desire:

World English Bible WEB

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways. As a nation that did righteousness, and didn’t forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments. They delight to draw near to God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For they seek me from day to day, sad desire to know my ways, as a nation that hath done justice, and hath not forsaken the judgment of their God: they ask of me the judgments of justice: they are willing to approach to God.

Translation for Translators T4T

They worship me every day; they come to my temple because they say that they are eager to know what I want them to do. They act as though they are a nation that does things that are righteous, who would never abandon their God. They request me to decide matters justly, and they delight to come to worship me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 58:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 58:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/אוֹתִ֗/י י֥וֹם יוֹם֙ יִדְרֹשׁ֔וּ/ן וְ/דַ֥עַת דְּרָכַ֖/י יֶחְפָּצ֑וּ/ן כְּ/ג֞וֹי אֲשֶׁר צְדָקָ֣ה עָשָׂ֗ה וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֤ט אֱלֹהָי/ו֙ לֹ֣א עָזָ֔ב יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/נִי֙ מִשְׁפְּטֵי צֶ֔דֶק קִרְבַ֥ת אֱלֹהִ֖ים יֶחְפָּצֽוּ/ן

וְ/אוֹתִ֗/י ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM | Suff

י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

יוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day N-ms

יִדְרֹשׁ֔וּ/ן dârash H1875 to seek V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

וְ/דַ֥עַת daʻath H1847 knowledge Conj | N-fs

דְּרָכַ֖/י derek H1870 way N-cp | Suff

יֶחְפָּצ֑וּ/ן châphêts H2654 to delight in V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

כְּ/ג֞וֹי gôwy H1471 Gentile Prep | N-ms

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

צְדָקָ֣ה tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness N-fs

עָשָׂ֗ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֤ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Conj | N-ms

אֱלֹהָי/ו֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

עָזָ֔ב ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/נִי֙ shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

מִשְׁפְּטֵי mishpâṭ H4941 justice N-mp

צֶ֔דֶק tsedeq H6664 Righteousness N-ms

קִרְבַ֥ת qᵉrâbâh H7132 nearness N-fs

אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

יֶחְפָּצֽוּ/ן châphêts H2654 to delight in V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 58:2

וְ/אוֹתִ֗/י ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

י֥וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

יִדְרֹשׁ֔וּ/ן dârash H1875 "to seek" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.

Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.

וְ/דַ֥עַת daʻath H1847 "knowledge" Conj | N-fs

In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom

Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.

דְּרָכַ֖/י derek H1870 "way" N-cp | Suff

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

יֶחְפָּצ֑וּ/ן châphêts H2654 "to delight in" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.

Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.

כְּ/ג֞וֹי gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צְדָקָ֣ה tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" N-fs

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

עָשָׂ֗ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֤ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Conj | N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

אֱלֹהָי/ו֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

עָזָ֔ב ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.

Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.

יִשְׁאָל֨וּ/נִי֙ shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

מִשְׁפְּטֵי mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" N-mp

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

צֶ֔דֶק tsedeq H6664 "Righteousness" N-ms

Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.

Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.

קִרְבַ֥ת qᵉrâbâh H7132 "nearness" N-fs

This Hebrew word describes the act of approaching or drawing near, and is used in the Bible to describe the approach of a person or event. In Jeremiah 30:21, it describes the approach of a new era of peace.

Definition: an approach, a drawing near

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: approaching, draw near. See also: Psalms 73:28; Isaiah 58:2.

אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

יֶחְפָּצֽוּ/ן châphêts H2654 "to delight in" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff

This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.

Study Notes — Isaiah 58:2

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Context
Cross References
Isaiah 58:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 58:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 58:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 58:2
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 58:2
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2
Sermons on Isaiah 58:2

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.”

3“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. 4You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Titus 1:16	They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
2	Isaiah 29:13	Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
3	Matthew 15:7–9	You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”
4	Mark 4:16–17	Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.
5	James 1:21–22	Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.
6	1 Peter 2:1–2	Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
7	Hebrews 6:4–6	It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.
8	Mark 12:14	“Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”
9	Ezekiel 33:30–33	As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
10	1 Samuel 15:21–25	The troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of the things devoted to destruction, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.”

Isaiah 58:2 Summary

[This verse is talking about people who are seeking God and wanting to know His ways, which means they want to understand and follow His teachings. It's like they're saying, 'God, we want to do what's right and please You.' As it says in Psalm 16:11, God's presence is full of joy, and in His right hand there are pleasures forevermore. By seeking God and delighting in His ways, we can experience joy and peace in our lives, even in the midst of challenges. We can do this by reading the Bible, praying, and obeying God's commands, as seen in John 15:10-11, where Jesus says that if we keep His commandments, we will remain in His love and experience full joy.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to delight in knowing God's ways?

Delighting in knowing God's ways means having a deep desire to understand and follow God's teachings, as seen in Psalm 119:35, where the psalmist asks God to guide him in the paths of His commandments, and in Matthew 22:37, where Jesus teaches that loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the greatest commandment.

How can we, like the nation in this verse, do what is right and not forsake God's justice?

We can do what is right and not forsake God's justice by seeking His will in Scripture, such as in Micah 6:8, which calls us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, and by being obedient to His commands, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

What does it mean to ask for righteous judgments?

Asking for righteous judgments means seeking God's guidance and wisdom in making decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding, and in James 1:5, where we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom if we lack it.

How can we delight in the nearness of God?

We can delight in the nearness of God by cultivating a personal relationship with Him through prayer, as seen in Philippians 4:6, where we are called to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, and in Hebrews 4:16, where we are encouraged to approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can seek God and delight in knowing His ways in my daily life?
How can I, like the nation in this verse, do what is right and not forsake God's justice in the face of challenges and temptations?
What are some areas of my life where I need to ask God for righteous judgments and guidance?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of delight in the nearness of God, and what are some practical ways I can experience His presence in my life?
What are some things that might be hindering my ability to seek God and delight in His ways, and how can I overcome them?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily,.... Which may be considered as an acknowledgment of their external piety; or as a caution to the prophet not to be imposed upon by outward appearances; or as a reason why they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 58:2

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2

They seek me daily; they cover all their wickedness with a profession of religion, from time to time resorting to my house, pretending to ask counsel of me, and to desire and seek my favour and blessing. Delight to know my ways: either, 1. They seem to delight in it; for men are oft said in Scripture to be or do that which they seem or profess to be or do; as , that which he hath, is thus explained in , that which he seemeth to have; and , I was alive, i.e. I falsely thought myself to be alive. See also . Or, 2. They really delight; for this is evident, that there are many men who take some pleasure in the knowing of God’ s will and word, and yet do not conform their lives to it. As a nation that did righteousness; as if they were a righteous and godly people. And forsook not the ordinance of their God; as if they were not guilty of any apostacy from God, or neglect of or disobedience to God’ s precepts. They ask of me the ordinances of justice; as if they desired and resolved to observe them. They take delight, of which see the second note upon this verse, in approaching to God; in coming to my temple to hear my word, and to offer sacrifices.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2

Isaiah 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.Ver. 2. Yet they seek me daily.] In pretence at least; and this, their dissembled sanctity, double iniquity, is one of those great transgressions of theirs, against which thou must declaim, yea, proclaim hell fire, in case they amend it not. And delight to know my ways.] They seem to do so, by frequenting mine ordinances, and attending to my priests, whose lips preserve and present knowledge. As a nation that did righteousness.] But it is but as a nation that did it; they had but a "form of knowledge," and a "form of godliness." Eiusdem farinae nobiscum sunt religiosi quidam in speciem, saith Oecolampadius: the Church is still full of such hypocrites, that only act religion, play devotion, wherein they may outdo better men, for the external part of religion and pretence of zeal, as the Pharisees in the Gospel fasted more than the disciples, wansing their visages, and weakening their constitutions with much abstinence. The sorcerers of Egypt seemed to do as much as Moses; so do these as much or more than sound Christians. The apostles were as deceivers, and yet true, but these are as true, and yet deceivers. They ask of me the ordinances of justice.] As not willing to deviate; but they are ever learning, yet never come to the knowledge of the truth. And take delight in approaching to God.] Which yet no hypocrite can do from the heart; for God is light and holiness, and therefore hated by the blind and foul hypocrite, all whose devotions are effects rather of art and parts than of the heart and grace; hence God abhorreth them, for he "desireth truth in the inward parts."

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2

(2) Yet they seek me daily . . .—The “seeking” is that of those who come, like the elders in Ezekiel 20:1, to “enquire” of Jehovah, and looking for an oracle from Him. The words point to the incongruous union, possible in the reign of Manasseh, but hardly possible after the exile, of this formal recognition of Jehovah with an apostate life. Every phrase rings in the tone of an incisive irony,, describing each element of a true devotion which the people did not possess.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 58:2

2. The people indeed are zealous in the performance of their external religious duties, and imagine that this suffices to put them in a right relation to God. They are ostensibly as eager to know the divine will as if they were in reality, and not merely in profession, a people that practised righteousness. A somewhat strained interpretation has been put upon the verse by many modern commentators, who suppose that it refers to the people’s desire for a speedy manifestation of Jehovah’s righteousness in their favour. This feeling was no doubt in their minds, but it is not expressed here (see below). they seek me] i.e. enquire of me,—the word used of consulting an oracle. ordinances of justice] not “righteous judgements” on the enemies and oppressors of Israel, but ordinances of righteousness, i.e. directions as to how righteousness is to be achieved. they take delight in approaching to God] R.V. they delight to draw near to God. Cf. ch. Isaiah 29:13; Psalms 73:28. To render “in the approach of God (to judgement)” is arbitrary, and unsuited to the verb “delight.”

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily - The whole description here is appropriate to the character of formalists and hypocrites; and the idea is, that public worship by sacrifice was celebrated daily in the temple, and was not intermitted.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 58:2

1, 2. Cry aloud — Literally, with open, full throat. It is an alarm-cry that is called for, against sins common, indeed, in the prophet’s time, but peculiarly common just as the Messiah’s advent approaches.

Sermons on Isaiah 58:2

	Sermon	Description
	(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots
	(Titus - Part 2): An Introduction to Titus by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker announces the start of a new series on the careful study of the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages everyone to attend the first sermon and emphasizes th
	Nothing but Leaves by Harold Vaughan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practicing what we believe rather than just giving lip service. He criticizes the current state of the church, stating tha
	Part 4, Thur (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1993) by Eric J. Alexander	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living a godly life and setting a good example for others. He emphasizes the need for integrity, seriousness, and soundness
	Birthmarks of the Family of God by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower and the different types of ground that receive the word of God. He emphasizes that only the good ground, which repre
	The Cock Crew by Joshua Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern over the decline of morality in society and the loss of the moral voice. He shares a personal story of a surgeon who went back to the
	The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false