Isaiah 58 is a rich and piercing chapter when it comes to prayer and fasting, especially in exposing the difference between outward religion and true devotion. It shows that fasting is not just about going without food — it is about aligning our hearts with God's desires. The Bible warns against fasting as an empty ritual. Genuine fasting reflects the right attitude. Right here, Isaiah 58:3-7 condemns fasting that lacks compassion or justice. True fasting inspires acts of kindness, generosity and love. Matthew 6:16-18 teaches that fasting should be private and sincere, with no attempt to seek attention or praise.
Walking through Isaiah 58 will draw out some thoughts.
False Fasting: The Problem (v.1–5)
"Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 'Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?' Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD?" (ESV)
The people are fasting, but they are frustrated — God does not seem to respond. Why? Because their fast is self-centred, not God-centred. They are combining religious activity with injustice, strife and oppression.
Key Idea
- Fasting without repentance or righteousness is empty.
- It is possible to pray and fast while completely missing God's heart.
- God is not interested in hunger for its own sake — He is after humility, justice and mercy.
"Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself?" (v.5) That question cuts deep.
True Fasting: What God Desires (vv.6–7)
"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?" (ESV)
Now the tone shifts. God describes the fast that pleases Him — one marked by compassion, generosity and action.
Key Idea
- Fasting is about aligning with God's character.
- It is not just about what we give up, but what we give out.
- God wants our spiritual practices to lead to real, visible love for others.
This is deeply challenging. Real devotion is practical, not just personal.
The Result: Blessing and Restoration (vv.8–12)
"Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 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, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." (ESV)
When fasting flows from a right heart, God promises His presence, guidance, healing and provision.
Key Idea
The Lord gives a list of twelve blessings that follow true fasting — the fasting rooted in righteousness, justice and mercy. These blessings are stunning realities available to every believer; staggering truths that touch every part of life: personal, spiritual and communal.
- Light will break forth like the dawn (v.8)
- "Then your light will break forth like the dawn..."
- A picture of hope, clarity and renewal after a time of darkness. Suggests a fresh start and divine favour made visible.
- Healing will quickly appear (v.8)
- "...and your healing will quickly appear..."
- Points to restoration, both physical and spiritual. God brings wholeness where there was brokenness.
- Righteousness will go before you (v.8)
- "Then your righteousness will go before you..."
- Like a banner leading the way—your life will reflect God's justice and character. Also suggests protection and honour in God's sight.
- The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (v.8)
- "...and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."
- God watches your back. His presence protects and surrounds you. Echoes imagery from the Exodus — God covering His people on all sides.
- God will hear and answer your prayers (v.9)
- "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I."
- Deep, personal communion with God. He responds, not with silence, but with presence: "Here am I."
- Light will rise in the darkness (v.10)
- "...your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
- Even in the hardest seasons, God brings illumination and direction. Noonday implies not just light but clarity, warmth and joy.
- The Lord will guide you always (v.11)
- "The Lord will guide you always..."
- A promise of ongoing direction and wisdom in all circumstances. You are not left to find your way alone.
- He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land (v.11)
- God provides even in barren places. This is soul-deep satisfaction, not just survival.
- He will strengthen your frame (v.11)
- Strength for the journey. Not just relief from trouble, but resilience to keep going.
- You will be like a well-watered garden (v.11)
- "...like a spring whose waters never fail."
- Fruitful, flourishing, always refreshed. A beautiful picture of the Spirit-filled life.
- You will rebuild ancient ruins (v.12)
- "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins..."
- God will use you to bring restoration to others — reviving what was long lost. A call to generational renewal and healing.
- You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls and Restorer of Streets with Dwellings (v.12) o A new identity: not just healed, but a healer.
- God's work in you will overflow into the world around you.
- You become part of His redemptive.
Final Thoughts
Isaiah 58 reframes fasting. It is not a tool to twist God's arm or prove our piety. It is an opportunity to:
- Seek God with sincerity
- Turn from self-centredness
- Act with justice and mercy
- Become an answer to our own prayers
It is about right relationship — with God and others.