Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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God isn't just looking for outward acts of religious observance; He's highlighting the purpose behind those acts. The true "fast" He desires is about actively dismantling injustice and freeing those crushed by oppressive systems, reflecting a heart that truly grieves over the suffering of others.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel who are observing religious fasts but not living justly. God is challenging their superficial observance, pointing out that their outward acts of piety are meaningless because they continue to oppress and exploit others. Therefore, this verse defines the true fast God desires: an active commitment to justice and liberation for the downtrodden, rather than mere religious ritual.
We often think of fasting as giving something up. But what if God's primary concern isn't what we don't do, but what we do?
Isaiah 58:6 challenges the people's understanding of fasting. They were observing religious rituals, perhaps abstaining from food and afflicting their souls, but God reveals that their outward acts were meaningless without a corresponding inner transformation and outward action.
God's Chosen Fast
God states, 'Is not this the fast that I choose?' This isn't a question seeking information, but a rhetorical challenge highlighting His true desires. The fast God approves isn't about self-punishment or mere ritual observance. It's about actively pursuing justice and liberation for others. The subsequent phrases – 'to loose the bonds of wickedness,' 'to undo the heavy burdens,' 'to let the oppressed go free,' and 'to break every yoke' – are not suggestions; they are the very definition of the fast God desires.
The imagery of 'bonds,' 'yokes,' and 'burdens' powerfully describes oppression. What does God want us to do with these chains, both for ourselves and for others?
The prophet uses vivid metaphors to describe the kinds of actions that constitute a truly acceptable fast:
Understand the original words
tsom · Hebrew Noun
A period of voluntary abstinence from food or other appetites for spiritual purposes, often linked in Scripture to repentance, petition, or seeking God's favor. True fasting in the biblical sense is not merely external ritual but is accompanied by changed behavior and a heart aligned with God's justice.
hartsubbot resha · Hebrew Noun Phrase
In a biblical context, these represent the oppressive constraints, injustice, or sinful habits that bind people. The term implies an artificial or forced restriction that inhibits freedom and flourishing, which God desires to break.
ol · Hebrew Noun
Metaphorically used to describe oppressive labor, slavery, or burdens placed upon people by others. Removing the yoke is a sign of liberation and the restoration of God's order where people are no longer subjugated by injustice.
Isaiah's powerful call for genuine fasting, emphasizing justice and liberation over mere ritual, resonated deeply during times of national crisis and spiritual decline, particularly during the Assyrian invasions and the post-exilic period when the people grappled with their covenant responsibilities.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah begins his prophetic ministry during a time of relative peace and prosperity in Judah, but also facing growing moral and spiritual decline.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of its people and serving as a stark warning to Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event highlights the vulnerability of Judah and the consequences of its spiritual state.
Post-Exilic Period (c. 538 BC onwards)
Return from Babylonian Exile
After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people begin to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This period sees a renewed emphasis on religious observance, but also struggles with social justice issues.
This passage describes a similar covenant violation where the people of Judah freed their slaves under duress but then re-enslaved them, directly contradicting the spirit of Isaiah's call to 'loose the bonds of wickedness' and 'let the oppressed go free'.
Matthew 5:7Jesus' teaching on the Beatitudes, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,' echoes the principle that true worship and favor from God are linked to showing compassion and justice to others, just as Isaiah emphasizes that his chosen fast involves acts of liberation and care.
Matthew 23:23In this passage, Jesus chastises the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, stating they 'neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness,' which directly parallels Isaiah's critique of a people who perform religious rituals like fasting while ignoring the essential commands of justice and compassion for the oppressed.
Luke 4:18-19Jesus reads from Isaiah 61, proclaiming his mission to 'bring good news to the poor,' 'proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,' which is a direct application and fulfillment of the prophetic vision Isaiah presents here for a true fast.
James 2:14-17barnesIsaiah 58:6: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? - Fasting is right and proper; but that which God approves will prompt to, and will be followed by, deeds of justice, kindness, charity. The prophet proceeds to specify very particularly what God required, and when the observance of seasons of fasting would be acceptable to hi…
clarkeIsaiah 58:6: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"
Let the oppressed go free - How can any nation pretend to fast or worship God at all, or dare to profess that they believe in the existence of such a Being, while they carry on the slave trade, and traffic in the souls, blood, and bodies, of men! O ye most flagitious of knaves, and worst of hypocrites, cast off at on…
God isn't just looking for outward acts of religious observance; He's highlighting the purpose behind those acts. The true "fast" He desires is about actively dismantling injustice and freeing those crushed by oppressive systems, reflecting a heart that truly grieves over the suffering of others.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel who are observing religious fasts but not living justly. God is challenging their superficial observance, pointing out that their outward acts of piety are meaningless because they continue to oppress and exploit others. Therefore, this verse defines the true fast God desires: an active commitment to justice and liberation for the downtrodden, rather than mere religious ritual.
The prophet Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel who are observing religious fasts but not living justly. God is challenging their superficial observance, pointing out that their outward acts of piety are meaningless because they continue to oppress and exploit others. Therefore, this verse defines the true fast God desires: an active commitment to justice and liberation for the downtrodden, rather than mere religious ritual.
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These aren't abstract concepts. They point to tangible actions of rescue, relief, and emancipation. God desires a fast that results in practical freedom for those who are suffering.
ratsuts · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Individuals crushed or broken by social, economic, or spiritual burdens. Scripture frequently depicts God as the protector of these individuals, calling His people to actively work for their liberation and relief.
c. 458 BC and 444 BC
Reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah lead significant reforms aimed at restoring religious and social order. These efforts often address issues of oppression and adherence to the Law, echoing themes found in Isaiah's prophecy.
The letter of James strongly emphasizes that faith without works is dead, directly aligning with Isaiah's message that religious observance like fasting is meaningless if not accompanied by acts of mercy and justice, particularly towards the vulnerable and oppressed.
"“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" — God isn't just looking for outward acts of religious observance; He's highlighting the purpose behind those acts. The true "fast" He desires is about actively dismantling injustice and freeing thos…
