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Isaiah 58:2-4

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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. 3. Wherefore have we fasted, [say they], and thou seest not? [wherefore] have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. 4. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as [ye do this] day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

Isaiah 58:2-4 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Isaiah 58:2

Theological / Devotional

They seek me daily. Outwardly the nation of Judah professed to follow the Lord, but inwardly they were far from Him. They held to the external forms of religion, but neglected its basic principles. They fasted and prayed, observed the Sabbath, kept the sacred feasts, brought their offerings to the Temple, and attended solemn assemblies, while they engaged in every form of iniquity (ch. 1:11-15). Theirs was an incongruous attempt to serve both God and mammon (see on Matt. 6:24-34). They professed to love the light, but chose to live in darkness (see on Matt. 6:19-23). They wanted all this world had to offer — and heaven too. They thought to enjoy the privileges of obedience, but were loath to shoulder its responsibilities (see pp. 32, 33; see on Matt. 21:28-32).

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