Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"You fast for strife and debate"
Text: Isaiah 58:4
THE PRACTICE OF FASTING
Fasting was practised by many in Israel. Fasting at the basic level is abstinence of food. Time was devoted to prayer.
“‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
‘In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.'”
Isaiah 58:3-4
1. A question raised by Israel.
a) The questions were raised in a haughty manner.
b) Israel questioned the LORD.
c) God had not seemed to have taken note of their fasting.
2. Questions raised:
a) Why had not God seen their fasts?
b) Why had God not taken notice of the day they afflicted their souls?
3. The LORD’s reply to Israel.
a) The questions were answered swiftly.
b) God replied candidly.
4. The transgressions of Israel were not dealt with.
a) Yes, they fasted religiously.
b) But amidst their so-called fasting:
i) They found pleasure.
ii) They exploited their workers.
iii) They strove with each other.
iv) They quarreled among themselves.
5. This kind of fasting.
a) God tells them to put a stop to their act of fasting.
b) He tells them to cease from raising their voices in prayer.
c) Their fasting was not pleasing to God at all when their transgressions continued to abound.