Isaiah 58

Isaiah 58:1

C. Israel’s Sin, Judgment, Repentance, and Restoration (Chaps. 5866)The last nine chapters of the Book of Isaiah depict the final outcome of both the faithful and the apostate. Alfred Martin summarizes: The closing section of the book describes the glorious consummation which God has in store for Israel, the people of the Servant, and God’s channel of blessing to the world. There is a strong contrast throughout the section between the rebellious and the faithful, a contrast which is never entirely absent from any extended portion of the Word of God.

1. The Delights of True Spirituality (Chap. 58)58:1-5 The prophet must loudly proclaim the transgression of Judah. The people seem to take real pleasure in going through the prescribed daily rituals, acting as if they are a truly obedient nation. In fact they accuse God of being indifferent to their fasts and acts of contrition, but God accuses them of self-gratification, of taking advantage of their employees, and of fist-fighting in the midst of their fasting. Theirs is not the kind of fasting that counts with God. True fasting is not a matter of physical posture or of outward display of mourning. 58:6-8 God wants the fast that is accompanied by the loosing of the shackles of wickedness, lifting the yoke of oppression, feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the poor, clothing the naked, and helping the needy neighbor. Those who thus practice social justice are assured of guidance, healing, and a protective escort. “Your righteousness” may mean the abovementioned acts of mercy or it may mean the righteousness of God which is imputed to those who believe. The paraphrase of verses 5-8 in the Scottish Psalter is worth quoting: Let such as feel oppression’s load thy tender pity share: And let the helpless, homeless poor be thy peculiar care. Go, bid the hungry orphan be with thy abundance blest; Invite the wanderer to thy gate and spread the couch of rest. Let him who pines with piercing cold by thee be warmed and clad; Be thine the blissful task to make the downcast mourner glad. Then, bright as morning, shall come forth, in peace and joy, thy days; And glory from the Lord above shall shine on all thy ways. 58:9-12 The godly one is assured that whenever he calls, the LORD will answer . . . “Here I am.” If he will eliminate oppression, stop pointing . . . the finger in accusation or in scoffing, and cease from mud-slinging and slander, if he will alleviate human need, both spiritual and physical, then God promises that his night will turn to day. He will enjoy guidance, abundant supply of good things, health and strength, beauty and fruitfulness, and national restoration. “Your sons will rebuild the long-deserted ruins of your cities, and you will be known as ‘The People who Rebuild their Walls and Cities’” (v. 12, LB). 58:13, 14 If God’s people respect the Sabbath by abstaining from business or selfish pleasure, if they consider it a delight to honor God’s holy day, then they will delight . . . in the LORD who gave the day, and He will give them a place of leadership in the earth and the heritage that God promised to Jacob. Nothing can hinder this because the mouth of the LORD has spoken.