1 Proclaim it aloud without restraint;raise your voice like a trumpet!Declare to my people their transgressions,to the house of Jacob its sins.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
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A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
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2 Yet they importune me daily,eager to learn my ways,like a nation practicing righteousnessand not forsaking the precepts of its God.They inquire of me concerning correct ordinances,desiring to draw nearer to God:
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
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A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
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3 Why, when we fast, do you not notice?We afflict our bodies and you remain indifferent!It is because on your fast day you pursue your own endsand constrain all who toil for you.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
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4 You fast amid strife and contention,striking out savagely with the fist.Your present fasts are not suchas to make your voice heard on high.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
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5 Is this the manner of fasting I have required,just a time for men to torment themselves?Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reedand making one’s bed of sackcloth and ashes?Do you call that a fast,a day of Jehovah’s good graces?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
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6 Is not this the fast I require:To release from wrongful bondage,to untie the harness of the yoke,to set the oppressed at libertyand abolish all forms of subjection?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
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7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry,to bring home the wretchedly poor,and when you see men underclad to clothe them,and not to neglect your own kin?
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
8 Then shall your light break through like the dawnand your healing speedily appear;your righteousness will go before you,and the glory of Jehovah will be your rearguard.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
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9 Then, should you call, Jehovah will respond;should you cry, he will say, I am here.Indeed, if you will banish servitude from among you,and the pointing finger and offensive speech,
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
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10 if you will give of your own to the hungryand satisfy the needs of the oppressed,then shall your light dawn amid darknessand your twilight become as the noonday.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
blue
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, the light that dawns on his repentant people, dispelling the darkness of their former wickedness and healing their alienation from Jehovah.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but whom Jehovah's servant banishes from those who repent.
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11 Jehovah will direct you continually;he will satisfy your needs in the dearthand bring vigor to your limbs.And you will become like a well-watered garden,like a spring of unfailing waters.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
blue
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, the light that dawns on his repentant people, dispelling the darkness of their former wickedness and healing their alienation from Jehovah.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but whom Jehovah's servant banishes from those who repent.
red
12 They who came out of you will rebuild the ancient ruins;you will restore the foundations of generations ago.You shall be called a rebuilder of fallen walls,a restorer of streets for resettlement.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
blue
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, the light that dawns on his repentant people, dispelling the darkness of their former wickedness and healing their alienation from Jehovah.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but whom Jehovah's servant banishes from those who repent.
red
13 If you will keep your feet from trampling the Sabbath—from achieving your own ends on my holy day—and consider the Sabbath a delight,the holy day of Jehovah venerable,and if you will honor itby refraining from your everyday pursuits—from occupying yourselves with your own affairsand speaking of business matters—
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
blue
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, the light that dawns on his repentant people, dispelling the darkness of their former wickedness and healing their alienation from Jehovah.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but whom Jehovah's servant banishes from those who repent.
red
14 then shall you delight in Jehovah,and I will make you traverse the heights of the earthand nourish you with the heritage of Jacob your father.By his mouth Jehovah has spoken it.
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to teach them the true points of his law and word.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whom Jehovah appoints to confront his people with their hypocrisy, to admonish them to repent, and to warn them of Jehovah's imminent judgments.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, whose righteousness contrasts his people's self-righteousness at the time Jehovah appoints him to instruct them in the ordinances of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who intercedes with Jehovah on behalf of his people to deliver them from destruction and to bless them with the blessings of his covenant.
blue
A pseudonym of the end-time king of Assyria/Babylon, the exemplar of the reprobates of Jehovah's people, who forfeit Jehovah's blessings by imposing heavy burdens on the poor.
red
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, who personifies the light that dawns on Jehovah's people at the time Jehovah restores them and delivers them in a new exodus to Zion.
blue
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, his arm of righteousness, who leads Jehovah's elect in a new exodus to Zion at the time Jehovah's coming to reign on the earth draws near.
blue
A creation motif and pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, the light that dawns on his repentant people, dispelling the darkness of their former wickedness and healing their alienation from Jehovah.
blue
A chaos motif and pseudonym of the end-time king Assyria/Babylon, who typifies the powers of darkness that hold humanity captive but whom Jehovah's servant banishes from those who repent.
red
A pseudonym of Jehovah's end-time servant, Jehovah's mouth or mouthpiece to his people, who receives divine revelation and who assigns Jehovah's elect everlasting inheritances.
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Apocalyptic Commentary
Isaiah 58
As the task of Jehovah’s servant is to restore justice in the earth (Isaiah 42:1-4), he informs the Jacob/Israel category of Jehovah’s people of its sins and transgressions (Isaiah 48:1). In that role, he acts as Jehovah’s voice to his people: “Who among you fears Jehovah and heeds the voice of his servant” (Isaiah 50:10). He is likewise the trumpet that announces Jehovah’s coming and the ensign that rallies them: “All you who live in the world, you inhabitants of the earth, look to the ensign when it is lifted up in the mountains; heed the trumpet when sounded!” (Isaiah 18:3; emphasis added; cf. 62:10-11).
The Jacob/Israel category of Jehovah’s people practices an outward form of worship devoid of substance. Going through the motions of religious observance—as if that makes them righteous before God—they still lack true devotion. They fast from food and observe the Sabbath (v 13) but without it benefiting them. When they complain, he responds through his servant—their exemplar of righteousness—that the root of their problem is their transgressing his law and word: “It is your iniquities that separate you from your God; your sins hide his face, so that he does not hear you” (Isaiah 59:2; cf. 1:15).
Those who don’t heed Jehovah’s voice—his servant (v 1)—who practice their own form of righteousness instead of emulating Jehovah’s righteousness (v 2), can’t benefit from the spiritual salvation wrought by Jehovah nor from the temporal salvation obtained by his servant. Jehovah doesn’t hear them (v 4) and his servant can’t intercede effectually with Jehovah on their behalf as did Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:15-20) so long as they don’t repent. Of itself, fasting is good—drawing a soul nearer to God—but not when it is ostentatious and isn’t backed up by love of God and neighbor, including employees.
Instead of being a source of oppression to others (v 4), Jehovah’s people should release others from oppression: “Learn to do good; demand justice, stand up for the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17; cf. 56:1-2). Instead of emulating the archtyrant and his kind—who are a yoke around people’s necks (Isaiah 10:27; 14:25)—they should emulate Jehovah’s servant, who releases them from bondage (Isaiah 42:7; 49:9). As Jehovah cares for the poor (Isaiah 14:30; 25:4), and as he frees his people from tyranny (Isaiah 49:24-25; 51:13-14), so should they if they would enjoy his salvation (vv 8-14; Isaiah 1:15-20).
Although they have sinned against Jehovah and oppressed his people, those who repent and live by his definition of righteousness may yet receive healing and participate in his deliverance. With the coming of Jehovah’s servant, those who repent experience a new dawn and a reversal of their circumstances from curse to blessing. Jehovah sends him as a light to enlighten them in his law and word (Isaiah 2:3-5; 9:2; 42:6; 49:6; 60:1-2; 62:1). Those who follow righteousness as the servant exemplifies it (Isaiah 41:2; 46:11-13; 51:1, 7; 56:1-2; 61:1-3; 62:1), righteousness leads in the new exodus to Zion.
In many ways, calling upon Jehovah divides the righteous from the wicked. Those who don’t call upon him are the Jacob/Israel category and levels lower: “I was available to those who did not inquire of me; I was accessible to those who did not seek me. I said, ‘Here am I; I am here,’ to a nation that did not invoke my name” (Isaiah 65:1; cf. 43:22). Those who call upon Jehovah emulate his servant: “I have raised up one from the north who calls on my name” (Isaiah 41:25; cf. 55:4-6). As they do so, Jehovah assures them “he will graciously respond at the cry of your voice” (Isaiah 30:19; cf. 38:5).
The human virtues that define Jehovah’s righteousness involve an entire paradigm shift away from tolerating servitude, abusiveness, offensive language, and all such symptoms of wickedness to serving others who are in need. With the advent of the servant—Jehovah’s light (v 8)—those whose darkness turns to light live to see deliverance from darkness—the archtyrant: “Arise, shine, your light has dawned; the glory of Jehovah has risen upon you! Although darkness covers the earth, and a thick mist the peoples, upon you Jehovah will shine; over you his glory shall be visible” (Isaiah 60:1-2; cf. 4:5-6).
Persons who walk by Jehovah’s light and emulate his righteousness (v 8) receive personal guidance from God. In the same way that his holy Spirit empowers his servant (Isaiah 11:2; 42:1; 48:16; 61:1), so it empowers them: “Your ears shall hear words from behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it!’ should you turn left or right” (Isaiah 30:21; cf. 32:15; 44:3; 59:21). Curse reversals may proceed all the way to physical regeneration and the elimination of death: “No more shall there be infants alive but a few days, or the aged who do not live out their years” (Isaiah 65:20; cf. 25:7-8; 26:19; 66:14).
Jehovah’s returnees to Zion rebuild the ancient ruins under the direction of his servant: “Who fulfills the word of his servant, accomplishes the aims of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘It shall be reinhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They shall be rebuilt, their ruins I will restore’” (Isaiah 44:26); “They will rebuild the ancient ruins, raise up the old waste places; they will renew the desolate cities demolished generations ago” (Isaiah 61:4); “Jehovah is comforting Zion, bringing solace to all her ruins; he is making her wilderness like Eden, her desert as the garden of Jehovah.” (Isaiah 51:3).
One of the gravest transgressions with which the servant confronts Jehovah’s people (v 1) is their desecration of the Sabbath. Even Sabbath meetings aren’t acceptable when they don’t spring from personal righteousness: “As for convening meetings at the New Month and on the Sabbath, wickedness with the solemn gathering I cannot approve” (Isaiah 1:13). What characterizes Jehovah’s servants is that they keep the Sabbath Day holy (Isaiah 56:6). As a “sign” between Jehovah and his people (Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20), Sabbath observance is a sure indicator of their loyalty to his covenant.
Individuals who attain higher spiritual categories spontaneously delight in Jehovah: “I rejoice exceedingly in Jehovah; my soul delights in my God. For he clothes me in garments of salvation, he arrays me in a robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). As they become privileged to receive Jehovah’s highest covenant blessings, they attain his view of the world and their place in it: “Your eyes shall behold the King in his glory and view the expanse of the earth” (Isaiah 33:17). Jehovah’s servant—his mouth—expedites their spiritual ascent that ultimately leads to their physical regeneration (v 11; Isaiah 40:31).