Study notes

Isaiah 58

Introducing IsaiahWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

54:1–66:24 Section

The last chapters in Isaiah described what would happen to people who did things God hated. God hated it when his people only acted as if they worshipped and obeyed him. But what they actually did was commit murder. They told lies and treated needy people badly. God hated it when people made evil plans and worshipped false gods. God longed for his people to stop sinning and to obey him. God described his longing like holding out his hands to welcome a stubborn nation.

God promised to bring judgement against his people for their sins. They would suffer and would be put to shame. He also invited them to change so that they could live. He described this like buying food and drink from him at a market. But God gave the food and drink for free. That showed how deeply God wanted them to turn back to him and be forgiven.

The last chapters in Isaiah also described what would happen to people who obeyed God. People who obeyed were humble, trusted God and wanted to be taught by him. They would be blessed and would be welcome in God’s house. That was another name for the temple. God promised to live with anyone who turns away from their sins. This promise applied to people from Jacob’s family line, to outsiders and to people from all nations. They would possess God’s holy mountain of Zion. This meant that they could live in the land where God ruled as King.

God described the light and brightness and new day of Jerusalem. He was talking about something more than the time when people returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. God described a completely new work that he would do. He would create new heavens and a new earth. In the new heavens and new earth, everyone would honour God. This was described as people from all over the world coming to Jerusalem. They would worship God there. This Jerusalem that God described would be full of joy. There would be no more crying. No one would cause harm or destroy anything or anyone. Everyone would do what was right and fair. God would do this new work when it was the right time.

Many years later Jesus said that God was starting that new work through him. Jesus used the words of Isaiah 61:1–2 to describe the work he was doing on earth (Luke 4:14–21). In Revelation, John also described the new heavens and new earth. The city where God ruled for ever as King was called the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–5).

58:1–4

This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.

58:2

they seek me: They may have been truly committed to a religious form, but they failed to truly meet God in their religious activities.

58:3

Fasting should be a time of self-deprivation in order to focus on God and pleasing him (Leviticus 16:29; see Zechariah 7:5). However, these people were only interested in pleasing themselves and continuing in their sins.

58:5

  • This passage uses strong language to show the problem with the people’s fasting. Their fasting was only outward religious behavior. They did not truly repent or do what is right.

    Fasting without sincere hearts and righteous actions is empty. It is only for show.

  • People wore sackcloth and put ashes on their heads to show sorrow and mourning.

  • acceptable to the LORD?: The people wrongly believed that God would bless them if they performed the correct rituals. They thought the actions themselves would bring blessing.

58:8

  • your light: The light of the age to come will shine on those who fully turn to the Lord (see Isaiah 42:6–7; 60:1–3). The time of divine judgment and oppression will end.

  • your healing: The nation of Israel was wounded when they were conquered and sent into exile.

  • your rear guard: See also Isaiah 52:12.

58:9

  • the LORD will answer: Compare Isaiah 1:15; see also 19:22.

  • remove … the pointing of the finger and malicious talk: God asks us to stop actions and words that harm relationships (see Proverbs 6:12–14).

58:12

Repairer of the Breach: Nehemiah would later fulfill this promise (see Nehemiah 2:17).

58:13

Like the practice of fasting, the Sabbath was intended to be an expression of self-denial and worship. It consists of delighting in the Lord, trusting him to provide for one’s needs while abstaining from work, and living in obedience to his will.

58:14

  • As people honor God through obedience, they themselves will be honored by God

  • the heritage of your father Jacob: This includes living with many descendants in the holy land and enjoying God's presence, blessings, and protection (Genesis 31:3; 35:9–12).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources