“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)
The true "fast" God desires isn't about self-denial in food, but about actively dismantling oppression. It's about breaking unjust systems, freeing those burdened by cruelty, and ensuring no one is yoked by wickedness, revealing that social justice is an integral part of spiritual devotion.
“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)
God confronts his people, who are performing religious rituals like fasting but their hearts are far from Him. He clarifies that true worship isn't about outward appearances or self-inflicted suffering, but about actively working to dismantle injustice and oppression in their communities.
We often think of fasting as just going without food for a day. But what if God's idea of fasting is much more active and outward-focused?
Isaiah 58:6 challenges the Israelites' understanding of fasting. They were seeking God daily and asking for His ordinances, but their hearts and actions were far from His will. God clarifies that He doesn't choose a fast that's just about abstaining from food or outwardly afflicting oneself. True fasting, the kind God desires and approves, is actively working to dismantle injustice and oppression.
What God Does Choose:
God isn't looking for a ritual; He's looking for a transformation that leads to tangible acts of justice and mercy. Our self-denial is only meaningful when it fuels our compassion and action for others.
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Why would God link fasting with breaking yokes and freeing the oppressed? It reveals something profound about His priorities.
The prophecy in Isaiah 58 makes it clear: true worship isn't detached from our social responsibilities. The Israelites were going through the motions of fasting, perhaps thinking it would earn God's favor, but their actions spoke louder than their rituals. They were still engaging in oppressive practices, exploiting workers, and ignoring the suffering around them.
God is saying that the 'fast' He truly chooses is one where our self-denial translates into active compassion and justice for others. It's about ensuring fairness, releasing those burdened by unfair obligations, and liberating the downtrodden.
This isn't just a suggestion; it's the essence of the covenant relationship God desires. When we practice justice and mercy, we are, in essence, participating in God's own character and mission. Our worship is incomplete, even hypocritical, if it doesn't lead us to seek the well-being and freedom of those around us.
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.
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.
This prophecy in Isaiah was delivered during or after the Babylonian exile. The emphasis on 'loosening wicked bonds' and 'breaking every yoke' strongly resonates with the historical context of people suffering under oppression, debt, and enslavement, both during the later periods of Judah's decline and the subsequent experiences of exile and return.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Jehoiachin and many Judean nobles and skilled workers are exiled to Babylon, marking a significant loss of leadership and talent in Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem, destroys the Temple, and deports most of the remaining population to Babylon, devastating the nation.
c. 550 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his conquest of the Median Empire, eventually leading to the fall of Babylon and the eventual decree allowing Jewish return.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, opening the way for the Persian Empire to rule and for the exiled Jews to potentially return home.
538 BC
Decree of Cyrus Allowing Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, initiating the return period.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Mission to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads a group of exiles back to Jerusalem to restore the city's religious and civil life, emphasizing adherence to the Law.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls amidst opposition, signifying a restoration of physical security and national identity for the returned exiles.
This passage speaks to the responsibility of not reviling God's rulers or leaders, connecting to the idea of respecting authority, but Isaiah 58:6 shifts this focus to active liberation from unjust rule and oppression.
Leviticus 25:39-43This Levitical law addresses the treatment of fellow Israelites who have fallen into debt and servitude, highlighting God's concern for preventing exploitation and ensuring freedom, a theme powerfully echoed in Isaiah's call to 'loose the bonds of wickedness'.
Jeremiah 34:8-22This passage records a historical instance where the people of Judah broke their covenant to free their slaves, only to fall back into oppression, illustrating the consequences of ignoring God's commands for justice and liberation, as emphasized in Isaiah 58:6.
Matthew 5:7Jesus's teaching, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,' directly parallels the essence of Isaiah 58:6, showing that acts of compassion and liberation are foundational to receiving God's favor.
Luke 4:18-19In Jesus's inaugural sermon, He quotes from Isaiah 61, declaring His mission to 'proclaim liberty to the captives and the setting at liberty those who are oppressed,' which powerfully fulfills the spirit and intent of the fast described in Isaiah 58:6.
barnesIsaiah 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…
The true "fast" God desires isn't about self-denial in food, but about actively dismantling oppression. It's about breaking unjust systems, freeing those burdened by cruelty, and ensuring no one is yoked by wickedness, revealing that social justice is an integral part of spiritual devotion.
God confronts his people, who are performing religious rituals like fasting but their hearts are far from Him. He clarifies that true worship isn't about outward appearances or self-inflicted suffering, but about actively working to dismantle injustice and oppression in their communities.
God confronts his people, who are performing religious rituals like fasting but their hearts are far from Him. He clarifies that true worship isn't about outward appearances or self-inflicted suffering, but about actively working to dismantle injustice and oppression in their communities.
"“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?" — The true "fast" God desires isn't about self-denial in food, but about actively dismantling oppression. It's about breaking unjust systems, freeing those burdened by cruelty, and ensuring no one is y…
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Last reviewed October 2026