Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The promise of God's immediate answer to prayer is tied not just to doing good, but to actively removing oppression, scorn, and harmful speech from within the community. It’s a reminder that our relationships and how we treat others are central to our connection with God.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after God reveals the true meaning of fasting – not just abstaining from food, but actively working for justice and compassion. The people were complaining that God wasn't hearing their prayers and fasts, so Isaiah is explaining why: their religious observances were a sham if they weren't accompanied by genuine kindness and ethical behavior toward others. Therefore, verses like this promise divine favor and answered prayer as a direct consequence of living out true righteousness.
Ever feel like your prayers are hitting a ceiling? God wants to hear from you, but He's looking for something specific in how we live.
This verse zeroes in on the actions that prevent our prayers from reaching God effectively. Let's break down these three things:
The Yoke
This refers to oppression and burdensome practices. It's about making life harder for others through unfair systems or heavy demands. Think about anything that crushes people or keeps them down.
The Pointing Finger
This is about scorn, accusation, and disdain. It's the act of singling people out for judgment or ridicule, often with a gesture of contempt. It's looking down on others and making them feel small.
Speaking Vanity (Wickedness)
This covers harmful and deceitful words. It's not just outright lies, but also gossip, slander, harsh criticism, and any speech that tears others down or promotes evil.
What does it sound like when God says, 'Here I am!'? It's not a distant echo, but an immediate, present response.
The incredible promise in the first part of this verse is that when we align our actions with God's heart—by removing oppression and hurtful behavior—He actively responds.
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A Direct Connection
The prophecy sets up a cause and effect: If you remove these oppressive elements, then your calls will be answered.
'Here I Am'
This phrase is profound. It signifies God's readiness to help, His intimate presence, and His willingness to engage. It's not a passive acknowledgment, but an active declaration of His nearness and commitment to those who seek Him rightly.
Isaiah's message in this chapter addresses the people of Judah during a time of immense national crisis under Assyrian domination. The prophet emphasizes that true worship and national restoration are contingent upon their social justice and ethical treatment of one another, particularly the vulnerable, rather than mere ritual observance.
c. 740 BC
Assyrian Expansion and Influence
The Neo-Assyrian Empire was a dominant superpower, expanding its territory and influence throughout the Near East. This period saw increasing pressure on peripheral kingdoms like Judah, leading to political and economic challenges.
c. 730s-720s BC
Syro-Ephraimite War and Assyrian Interventions
The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria allied against Judah, seeking to force Judah into their anti-Assyrian coalition. Assyria intervened, leading to the devastation of parts of Israel and significant impact on Judah's political landscape.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria launched a major campaign against Judah, conquering many fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event caused widespread fear and hardship, highlighting the vulnerability of Judah.
Post-701 BC
Assyrian Domination and Tribute
Following Sennacherib's invasion, Judah became a vassal state under Assyrian control, forced to pay heavy tribute. This period likely saw internal social and economic strain as the population dealt with the aftermath and continued subjugation.
This passage echoes the sentiment that genuine prayer is not a public performance but a private conversation with God, where the focus is on sincerity rather than outward show, aligning with Isaiah's call for authentic worship.
Psalm 34:15This psalm directly states that the Lord's eyes are on the righteous and his ears are open to their cry, reinforcing the promise in Isaiah that God hears and answers those who call upon Him.
James 2:15-16James warns against showing favoritism or neglecting the needy, a concept that parallels Isaiah's emphasis on social justice and compassion as essential components of true worship and divine favor.
Luke 11:9-10Jesus' teaching here about asking, seeking, and knocking directly mirrors the promise in Isaiah 58:9 that when we call out to God, He will answer, highlighting the persistent faith that leads to divine response.
1 John 3:21-22This New Testament passage assures believers that if their hearts do not condemn them, they have confidence before God, and whatever they ask they receive, connecting directly to Isaiah's assertion that God answers and is present when we live righteously.
ellicottIsaiah 58:9: "Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;"
(9) Then shalt thou call. —The words point to the secret of the prayer which is answered in contrast to the formal worship that found no acceptance ( Isaiah 58:2 ; Isaiah 58:4 ). The putting forth of the finger.—The gesture (Cheyne compares the “infamis digitus” of Persius ii. 33) has…
barnesIsaiah 58:9: "Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;"
Then shalt thou call - The sense is, that if we go before God renouncing all our sins, and desirous of doing our duty, then we have a right to expect that he will hear us. But if we go indulging still in sin; if we are false and hollow and hypocritical in our worship; or if, while we…
The promise of God's immediate answer to prayer is tied not just to doing good, but to actively removing oppression, scorn, and harmful speech from within the community. It’s a reminder that our relationships and how we treat others are central to our connection with God.
This passage comes right after God reveals the true meaning of fasting – not just abstaining from food, but actively working for justice and compassion. The people were complaining that God wasn't hearing their prayers and fasts, so Isaiah is explaining why: their religious observances were a sham if they weren't accompanied by genuine kindness and ethical behavior toward others. Therefore, verses like this promise divine favor and answered prayer as a direct consequence of living out true righteousness.
This passage comes right after God reveals the true meaning of fasting – not just abstaining from food, but actively working for justice and compassion. The people were complaining that God wasn't hearing their prayers and fasts, so Isaiah is explaining why: their religious observances were a sham if they weren't accompanied by genuine kindness and ethical behavior toward others. Therefore, verses like this promise divine favor and answered prayer as a direct consequence of living out true righteousness.
"Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness," — The promise of God's immediate answer to prayer is tied not just to doing good, but to actively removing oppression, scorn, and harmful speech from within the community. It’s a reminder that our…
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Last reviewed October 2026