This passage isn't just about not fasting; it's about what God actually chooses. The truly desired "fast" is an active commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and freeing those crushed by them, showing that true worship is lived out in justice for the vulnerable.
“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? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's people are observing religious fasts, but Isaiah declares these rituals are meaningless to God because they continue to oppress and exploit others. The prophet contrasts their hollow piety with the true meaning of worship, which requires actively liberating the downtrodden and breaking cycles of injustice.
We often think of fasting as not eating. But what if God's idea of fasting is about what we do, not just what we don't do?
Isaiah 58:6 presents a radical redefinition of fasting. God declares, 'Is not this the fast that I choose?' followed by a series of actions: 'to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke.' This isn't about denying food for a day; it's about actively dismantling systems of oppression and injustice.
Shifting the Focus
The imagery of 'yokes' and 'bonds' points to more than just individual hardship. What are the 'heavy burdens' and 'wicked bonds' God wants us to dismantle today?
The prophet uses powerful metaphors to describe the injustices God detests:
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God's chosen fast is about actively intervening in these situations, using our influence, resources, and voices to free those who are trapped.
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 was delivered during or shortly after the Babylonian exile. The people had endured immense suffering, yet their religious practices, including fasting, had become empty rituals. Isaiah calls them back to the heart of true worship: active compassion, justice, and liberation for the oppressed, highlighting that genuine devotion is demonstrated through how we treat others.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Under King Sennacherib, the Assyrian army devastated much of Judah, capturing many cities and besieging Jerusalem. This period of intense national crisis likely heightened awareness of both religious observance and social injustice.
c. 622 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah initiated a sweeping religious and social reform after the discovery of the Book of the Law. This era emphasized obedience to God's commands, including those related to justice and care for the vulnerable.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon exiled King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of Jerusalem's elite, including many skilled artisans and leaders. This marked the beginning of the Judahite exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Second Deportation
The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population (except the poorest). This event represented a catastrophic national collapse, leaving survivors to reflect on the reasons for God's judgment.
c. 550-539 BC— this verse
Prophetic Ministry During Exile
During the Babylonian exile, prophets like Ezekiel and Second Isaiah ministered to the exiles, calling them to repentance and offering messages of hope and future restoration. Isaiah 58 likely served as a critique of superficial religious practices during this time, emphasizing a deeper return to God's commands.
539 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This event marked the end of the Babylonian exile and a period of rebuilding and re-establishment.
This passage describes the Israelites breaking their covenant to free slaves, directly illustrating the consequences of neglecting God's command to 'let the oppressed go free,' as highlighted in Isaiah 58:6.
Matthew 23:23Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for focusing on tithing mint and dill while neglecting 'the more weighty matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness,' echoing Isaiah's message that true worship involves justice, not just outward rituals.
Luke 4:18-19Jesus quotes Isaiah 61, proclaiming his mission to 'bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,' which aligns perfectly with the spirit of liberation found in Isaiah 58:6.
James 2:14-17This passage emphasizes that faith without works is dead, directly supporting Isaiah's point that religious observance (like fasting) is meaningless if not accompanied by acts of compassion and justice toward those in need.
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…
This passage isn't just about not fasting; it's about what God actually chooses. The truly desired "fast" is an active commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and freeing those crushed by them, showing that true worship is lived out in justice for the vulnerable.
God's people are observing religious fasts, but Isaiah declares these rituals are meaningless to God because they continue to oppress and exploit others. The prophet contrasts their hollow piety with the true meaning of worship, which requires actively liberating the downtrodden and breaking cycles of injustice.
God's people are observing religious fasts, but Isaiah declares these rituals are meaningless to God because they continue to oppress and exploit others. The prophet contrasts their hollow piety with the true meaning of worship, which requires actively liberating the downtrodden and breaking cycles of injustice.
"“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? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry…" — This passage isn't just about not fasting; it's about what God actually chooses. The truly desired "fast" is an active commitment to dismantling systems of oppression and freeing those crushed by t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
