Isaiah 58
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Cry aloud, spare not - Never was a louder cry against the hypocrisy, nor a more cutting reproof of the wickedness, of a people professing a national established religion, having all the forms of godliness without a particle of its power. This chapter has been often appointed to be read on political fast days for the success of wars carried on for - God knows what purposes, and originating in - God knows what motives. Politically speaking, was ever any thing more injudicious?
Open source ↗REPROOF OF THE JEWS FOR THEIR DEPENDENCE ON MERE OUTWARD FORMS OF WORSHIP. (Isa 58:1-14) aloud--Hebrew, "with the throat," that is, with full voice, not merely from the lips (Sa1 1:13). Speak loud enough to arrest attention. my people--the Jews in Isaiah's time, and again in the time of our Lord, more zealous for externals than for inward holiness. ROSENMULLER thinks the reference to be to the Jews in the captivity practising their rites to gain God's favor and a release; and that hence, sacrifices are not mentioned, but only fasting and Sabbath observance, which they could keep though far away from the temple in Jerusalem. The same also applies to their present dispersion, in which they cannot offer sacrifices, but can only show their zeal in fastings, &c. Compare as to our Lord's time, Mat 6:16, Mat 6:23; Luk 18:12.
Open source ↗Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet,.... These words are directed to the prophet; and so the Targum expresses it, "O prophet, cry with thy throat;'' and so it is in the original, "cry with the throat" (d), which is an instrument of speech; and it denotes a loud, strong, vehement cry, when a man exerts his voice, and as it were rends his throat, that he may be heard; as well as it shows the intenseness of his spirit, and the vehemence of his affections, and the importance of what he delivers; and this the prophet is encouraged to do, and "spare not", the voice, throat, or his lungs, nor the people neither he was sent unto; or, "cease not", as the Targum, refrain not from speaking, "cease not crying"; so Ben Melech: "lift up thy voice like a trumpet"; like the voice or sound of a trumpet, which is heard afar, and gives an alarm; and to which the Gospel ministry is sometimes compared, Isa 27:13 all which shows the manner in which the ministers of the word should deliver it, publicly, boldly, with ardour and affection; and also the deafness and stupidity of the people which require it: and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins; by whom are meant the professing people of God, the present reformed churches, as distinguished from the antichristian ones, spoken of in the preceding chapter; who yet are guilty of many sins and transgressions, which must be showed them, and they must be sharply reproved for; and particularly their coldness and deadness, formality and hypocrisy in religious worship; their "works not being perfect" before God, or sincere and upright, as is said of the Sardian church, which designs the same persons, Rev 3:1. In the Talmud (e) the words are thus paraphrased, "shew my people their transgression"; these…
Open source ↗As the last prophecy of the second book contained all the three elements of prophetic addresses - reproach, threat, and promise - so this, the first prophecy of the third book, cannot open in any other way than with a rehearsal of one of these. The prophet receives the commission to appear as the preacher of condemnation; and whilst Jehovah is giving the reason for this commission, the preaching itself commences. "Cry with full throat, hold not back; lift up thy voice like a bugle, and proclaim to my people their apostasy, and to the house of Jacob their sins. And they seek me day by day, and desire to learn my ways, like a nation which has done righteousness, and has not forsaken the right of their God: they ask of me judgments of righteousness; they desire the drawing near of Elohim." As the second prophecy of the first part takes as its basis a text from Micah (Mic 2:1-4), so have we here in Isa 58:1 the echo of Mic 3:8. Not only with lisping lips (Sa1 1:13), but with the throat (Psa 115:7; Psa 149:6); that is to say, with all the strength of the voice, lifting up the voice like the shōphâr (not a trumpet, which is called חצצרה, nor in fact any metallic instrument, but a bugle or signal horn, like that blown on new year's day: see at Psa 81:4), i.e., in a shrill shouting tone. With a loud voice that must be heard, with the most unsparing publicity, the prophet is to point out to the people their deep moral wounds, which they may indeed hide from themselves with hypocritical opus operatum, but cannot conceal from the all-seeing God. The ו of ואותי does not stand for an explanatory particle, but for an adversative one: "their apostasy ... their sins; and yet (although they are to be punished for these) they approach Jehovah every day" (יום יום with mahpach under the…
Open source ↗When our Lord Jesus promised to send the Comforter he added, When he shall come he shall convince (Joh 16:7, Joh 16:8); for conviction must prepare for comfort, and must also separate between the precious and the vile, and mark out those to whom comfort does not belong. God had appointed this prophet to comfort his people (Isa 40:1); here he appoints him to convince them, and show them their sins. I. He must tell them how very bad they really were, Isa 58:1. 1. He must deal faithfully and plainly with them. "Though they are called the people of God and the house of Jacob, though they wear an honourable title and character, by which they are interested in many glorious privileges, yet do not flatter them, but show them their transgressions and their sins, be particular in telling them their faults, what sins are committed among them, which they do not know of, nay, what sins are committed by them which they do not acknowledge to be sins; though in some things they are reformed, let them know that in other things they are still as bad as ever. Show them their transgressions and their sins, that is, all their transgressions in their sins, their sins and all the aggravations of them," Lev 16:21. Note, (1.) God sees sin in his people, in the house of Jacob, and is displeased with it. (2.) They are often unapt and unwilling to see their own sins, and need to have them shown them, and to be told, Thus and thus thou hast done. 2. He must be vehement and in good earnest herein, must cry aloud, and not spare, not spare them (not touch them with his reproofs as if he were afraid of hurting them, but search the wound to the bottom, lay it bare to the bone), not spare himself or his own pains, but cry as loud as he can; though he spend his strength and waste his spirits, though he g…
Open source ↗58:1-4 This is a charge against religious Israelites who were pleased with themselves because of their religious activities.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… גָּרוֹן (gârôwn, H1627) — the throat (as roughened by swallowing) חָשַׂךְ (châsak, H2820) — to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe רוּם (rûwm, H7311) — to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively) קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound שׁוֹפָר (shôwphâr, H7782) — a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn נָגַד (nâgad, H5046) — properly, to front, i.e. stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… פֶּשַׁע (peshaʻ, H6588) — a revolt (national, moral or religious) בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch חַטָּאָה (chaṭṭâʼâh, H2403) — an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or…
Open source ↗דָּרַשׁ (dârash, H1875) — properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חָפֵץ (châphêts, H2654) — properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to… דַּעַת (daʻath, H1847) — knowledge דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb גּוֹי (gôwy, H1471) — a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight… עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application צְדָקָה (tsᵉdâqâh, H6666) — rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue)… עָזַב (ʻâzab, H5800) — to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc. מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… שָׁאַל (shâʼal, H7592) — to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity קְרָבָה (qᵉrâbâh, H7132) — approach
Open source ↗צוּם (tsûwm, H6684) — to cover over (the mouth), i.e. to fast רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6031) — to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various… נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… יָדַע (yâdaʻ, H3045) — to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses,… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… צוֹם (tsôwm, H6685) — a fast מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… חֵפֶץ (chêphets, H2656) — pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a… נָגַשׂ (nâgas, H5065) — to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication, to tax, harass,… עָצֵב (ʻâtsêb, H6092) — a (hired) workman
Open source ↗צוּם (tsûwm, H6684) — to cover over (the mouth), i.e. to fast רִיב (rîyb, H7379) — a contest (personal or legal) מַצָּה (matstsâh, H4683) — a quarrel נָכָה (nâkâh, H5221) — to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively) אֶגְרֹף (ʼegrôph, H106) — the clenched hand רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, H7562) — a wrong (especially moral) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… קוֹל (qôwl, H6963) — a voice or sound שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… מָרוֹם (mârôwm, H4791) — altitude, i.e. concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively…
Open source ↗צוֹם (tsôwm, H6685) — a fast בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6031) — to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various… נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… כָּפַף (kâphaph, H3721) — to curve רֹאשׁ (rôʼsh, H7218) — the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of… אַגְמוֹן (ʼagmôwn, H100) — a bulrush (as growing there); collectively a rope of bulrushes יַצַע (yatsaʻ, H3331) — to strew as a surface שַׂק (saq, H8242) — properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or… אֵפֶר (ʼêpher, H665) — ashes קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… זֶה (zeh, H2088) — the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
Open source ↗צוֹם (tsôwm, H6685) — a fast בָּחַר (bâchar, H977) — properly, to try, i.e. (by implication) select פָּתַח (pâthach, H6605) — to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve חַרְצֻבָּה (chartsubbâh, H2784) — a fetter; figuratively, a pain רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, H7562) — a wrong (especially moral) נָתַר (nâthar, H5425) — to jump, i.e. be violently agitated; causatively, to terrify, shake off, untie מוֹטָה (môwṭâh, H4133) — a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative) אֲגֻדָּה (ʼăguddâh, H92) — a band, bundle, knot, or arch רָצַץ (râtsats, H7533) — to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) חׇפְשִׁי (chophshîy, H2670) — exempt (from bondage, tax or care) נָתַק (nâthaq, H5423) — to tear off
Open source ↗פָּרַס (pâraç, H6536) — to break in pieces, i.e. (usually without violence) to split, distribute לֶחֶם (lechem, H3899) — food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it) רָעֵב (râʻêb, H7457) — hungry (more or less intensely) בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) עָנִי (ʻânîy, H6041) — depressed, in mind or circumstances מָרוּד (mârûwd, H4788) — an outcast; (abstractly) destitution בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… עָרוֹם (ʻârôwm, H6174) — nude, either partially or totally כָּסָה (kâçâh, H3680) — properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or… עָלַם (ʻâlam, H5956) — to veil from sight, i.e. conceal (literally or figuratively) בָּשָׂר (bâsâr, H1320) — flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the…
Open source ↗אוֹר (ʼôwr, H216) — illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.) בָּקַע (bâqaʻ, H1234) — to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open שַׁחַר (shachar, H7837) — dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial) אֲרוּכָה (ʼărûwkâh, H724) — wholeness (literally or figuratively) צָמַח (tsâmach, H6779) — to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative) מְהֵרָה (mᵉhêrâh, H4120) — properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… כָּבוֹד (kâbôwd, H3519) — properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָסַף (ʼâçaph, H622) — to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e. remove (destroy, leave…
Open source ↗קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6030) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond;… שָׁוַע (shâvaʻ, H7768) — properly, to be free; but used only causatively and reflexively, to halloo (for help,… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) סוּר (çûwr, H5493) — to turn off (literal or figurative) תָּוֶךְ (tâvek, H8432) — a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre מוֹטָה (môwṭâh, H4133) — a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative) שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) אֶצְבַּע (ʼetsbaʻ, H676) — something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… אָוֶן (ʼâven, H205) — strictly nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
Open source ↗פּוּק (pûwq, H6329) — to issue, i.e. furnish; causatively, to secure; figuratively, to succeed נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… רָעֵב (râʻêb, H7457) — hungry (more or less intensely) שָׂבַע (sâbaʻ, H7646) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively) עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6031) — to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various… אוֹר (ʼôwr, H216) — illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.) זָרַח (zârach, H2224) — properly, to irradiate (or shoot forth beams), i.e. to rise (as the sun); specifically,… חֹשֶׁךְ (chôshek, H2822) — the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death,… אֲפֵלָה (ʼăphêlâh, H653) — duskiness, figuratively, misfortune; concrete, concealment צֹהַר (tsôhar, H6672) — a light (i.e. window); dual double light, i.e. noon
Open source ↗יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָחָה (nâchâh, H5148) — to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists) תָּמִיד (tâmîyd, H8548) — properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as… שָׂבַע (sâbaʻ, H7646) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively) נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… צַחְצָחָה (tsachtsâchâh, H6710) — a dry place, i.e. desert חָלַץ (châlats, H2502) — to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflex.) to depart; by implication, to… עֶצֶם (ʻetsem, H6106) — a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.)… רָוֶה (râveh, H7302) — sated (with drink) גַּן (gan, H1588) — a garden (as fenced) מוֹצָא (môwtsâʼ, H4161) — a going forth, i.e. (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or… מַיִם (mayim, H4325) — water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen כָּזַב (kâzab, H3576) — to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively
Open source ↗בָּנָה (bânâh, H1129) — to build (literally and figuratively) עוֹלָם (ʻôwlâm, H5769) — properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or… חׇרְבָּה (chorbâh, H2723) — properly, drought, i.e. (by implication) a desolation קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) מוֹסָדָה (môwçâdâh, H4146) — a foundation דּוֹר (dôwr, H1755) — properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… גָּדַר (gâdar, H1443) — to wall in or around פֶּרֶץ (perets, H6556) — a break (literally or figuratively) שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… נָתִיב (nâthîyb, H5410) — a (beaten) track יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to…
Open source ↗שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… רֶגֶל (regel, H7272) — a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda שַׁבָּת (shabbâth, H7676) — intermission, i.e (specifically) the Sabbath עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application חֵפֶץ (chêphets, H2656) — pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a… קֹדֶשׁ (qôdesh, H6944) — a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… עֹנֶג (ʻôneg, H6027) — luxury קָדוֹשׁ (qâdôwsh, H6918) — sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God כָּבַד (kâbad, H3513) — to be heavy, i.e. in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous,… דֶּרֶךְ (derek, H1870) — a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or…
Open source ↗עָנַג (ʻânag, H6026) — to be soft or pliable, i.e. (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God רָכַב (râkab, H7392) — to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or… בָּמָה (bâmâh, H1116) — an elevation אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) אָכַל (ʼâkal, H398) — to eat (literally or figuratively) נַחֲלָה (nachălâh, H5159) — properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom;… יַעֲקֹב (Yaʻăqôb, H3290) — Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Put the ram’s horn to your lips! An eagle looms over the house of the LORD, because the people have transgressed My covenant and rebelled against My law.
Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers
“As for you, son of man, will you judge her? Will you pass judgment on the city of bloodshed? Then confront her with all her abominations
Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber.
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.
On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,
After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.”
And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.