Isaiah 58

In this Chapter Esay reproves them mainly for their Hypocrisie in Fasting.

Isaiah 58:2

and take delight] They seeme so to do.

Isaiah 58:3

you finde pleasure] You do not break off your sinful desires, minds, pleasures, and purposes; but persist still in a purpose to pursue them; though haply not upon the very day of the Fast to act them.

and exact all your labours] Debts, and services; with all rigour.

Isaiah 58:4

for strife and debate] Your fastings end in, and are seconded with vexatious suits, quarrels, and brawles.

to make your voice to be heard on high] By your loud clamours used in your prayers in the times of fasting. Or, that God on high should by fasting be induced to hear your voice, and grant your requests.

Isaiah 58:6

Is not this the Fast] When it is joyned with reformation and amendment of your lives? As, Acts X. 2, 4.

Isaiah 58:9

Then shalt thou call,] Then no cause to complaine, as, verse 3.

the putting forth of the finger] Forbearing not acts of violence, and threatening termes only, but even all gestures, and expressions of that kinde whatsoever.

Isaiah 58:11

and makes fat thy bones.] Fill them with marrow, arme and strengthen them.

Isaiah 58:12

the old waste places] Of Jerusalem, and the Cities of Judah, and other like places.

thy soot from the Sabbath] Thy affections, and wayes, which would pollute the Sabbath. Whether it be the yearly, or the weekly Sabbath.

a delight] See Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXXVI. 8. and XLII. 1, 2, 4. and XLIII. 2, 3, 4. and LXV. 1,—5. and LXXXIV. and CXXII. 1, 2.

honour him] In it; by sanctifying him, and it.

thine own wayes] Wicked works, and courses.

Nor speaking thine own words] Those, 9

Isaiah 58:14

to ride upon the high places of the earth] Aloft, in places of security, and safety, ch. XXXIII. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.