◄ Isaiah 58:6 ►
Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?
Study Bible
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen:

God rejects religious self-denial that leaves injustice untouched. Fasting was meant to humble the heart before Him and to produce repentance, obedience, and mercy toward others. Israel’s outward observance had become empty because the people sought God while continuing to exploit and mistreat their neighbors.

Jol 2:12-13 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me…
Zec 7:5-6 Ask all the people of the land and the priests,…

to break the chains of wickedness,

True worship confronts sinful practices that bind and harm others, including oppression, dishonesty, and the abuse of power. God calls His people to renounce personal evil and to resist injustice within their community.

Jhn 8:34-36 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you,…
Pro 5:22 The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him;…

to untie the cords of the yoke,

A yoke represented forced labor and subjection, recalling Israel’s own bondage in Egypt. Those who have received God’s mercy must not place crushing burdens upon the weak, the poor, or those under their authority.

Jer 30:8 On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts,…
Nam 1:13 For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away…

to set the oppressed free

God commands active care for those suffering under unjust treatment. Jesus proclaimed liberty for captives and relief for the oppressed, fulfilling God’s saving purpose through His ministry and ultimately through His death and resurrection.

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD…
Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me.…

and tear off every yoke?

The demanded liberation is thorough, not symbolic. Christ frees believers from slavery to sin, and His people are to reflect His rule by pursuing justice, mercy, and faithful love in their treatment of others.

Gal 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.…
Act 15:10 Now then, why do you test God by placing…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel during the time of Isaiah. The people of Judah were often called to repentance and genuine worship.

3. The Oppressed
Refers to those who are burdened by injustice and exploitation. In the context of Isaiah, this includes the poor and marginalized in society.

4. The Yoke
A symbol of oppression and bondage. In ancient times, a yoke was a wooden beam used between a pair of oxen to enable them to pull together on a load. Spiritually, it represents burdens imposed by sin or unjust systems.

5. Fasting
A religious practice involving abstaining from food or drink. In Isaiah 58, God critiques superficial fasting and calls for a fast that leads to justice and liberation.
Teaching Points
True Worship Involves Justice
God desires worship that goes beyond rituals and impacts how we treat others. Our faith should lead to actions that promote justice and freedom.

Breaking Chains of Wickedness
As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle systems of oppression and sin in our lives and communities.

Compassionate Action
Genuine fasting and worship should result in tangible acts of compassion and liberation for those who are oppressed.

Spiritual and Physical Liberation
The call to "tear off every yoke" includes both spiritual freedom from sin and physical freedom from unjust societal structures.

Reflecting Christ's Mission
Our lives should reflect the mission of Christ, who came to set captives free and bring good news to the poor.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaiah 58:6 challenge our understanding of fasting and religious practices today?

2. In what ways can we identify and "break the chains of wickedness" in our own communities?

3. How does the call to "set the oppressed free" in Isaiah 58:6 relate to Jesus' mission as described in Luke 4:18-19?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our worship includes acts of justice and mercy?

5. How can we apply the principles of Isaiah 58:6 in our daily lives to reflect the heart of God for the oppressed and marginalized?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus speaks about serving "the least of these," which echoes the call in Isaiah 58 to care for the oppressed and needy.

James 1:27
James describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, aligning with Isaiah's emphasis on justice and mercy over ritualistic practices.

Micah 6:8
This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility, paralleling the themes of true worship and social justice found in Isaiah 58.

Luke 4:18-19
Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring His mission to set the oppressed free, directly connecting His ministry to the prophetic call in Isaiah 58.
Sermons
A Religious FastW.M. Statham Isaiah 58:6
Religion: its Semblance, its Substance, its RewardW.M. Statham Isaiah 58:1-12
True and Spurious FastingE. Johnson Isaiah 58:1-12
FastingBp. Talbot.Isaiah 58:3-7
FastsProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 58:3-7
Incipient PharisaismProf. J. Skinner, D. D.Isaiah 58:3-7
Ye Fast for StrifeJ. A. Alexander.Isaiah 58:3-7
Philanthropic PietyHomilistIsaiah 58:5-9
The Fast Which God has ChosenH. Linton, M. A.Isaiah 58:5-9
A Foretokening of Gospel MoralityW. Archer Butler.Isaiah 58:6-7
God's Idea of FastingR. Tuck Isaiah 58:6, 7
OppressionR. Macculloch.Isaiah 58:6-7
Practical FastingJ. A. Alexander.Isaiah 58:6-7
People
Isaiah, Jacob
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bands, Bonds, Break, Chains, Chosen, Cords, Fast, Fasting, Free, Injustice, Isn't, Loose, Oppressed, Undo, Untie, Wickedness, Yoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 58:6

     4696   yoke
     5480   protection
     5507   rope and cord
     6130   corruption

Isaiah 58:1-7

     8432   fasting, practice

Isaiah 58:1-9

     8160   seeking God

Isaiah 58:2-7

     5943   self-deception

Isaiah 58:3-7

     5773   abstinence, discipline

Isaiah 58:6-7

     5169   nakedness
     5230   beggars
     5293   defence, human
     5361   justice, human
     5809   compassion, human
     5963   sympathy
     8245   ethics, incentives
     8330   receptiveness
     8446   hospitality, duty of

Isaiah 58:6-10

     5251   chains

Isaiah 58:6-11

     8630   worship, results

Library
June 17. "The Glory of the Lord Shall be Thy Reward" (Isa. Lviii. 8).
"The glory of the Lord shall be thy reward" (Isa. lviii. 8). He comes by our side as our helper; nay, more. He comes to dwell within us; to be the life in our blood, the fire in our thought, the faith within us, both in inception and consummation. Thus He becomes not only the recompense of the victor, but the resources of the victory. He is the Captain and the Overcomer in our lives. If we have caught any help that has relieved us of a troubled morning, it has been of Him. He lifts our eyes up unto …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Spiritual Growth
Thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring whose waters fail not.' (Isaiah lviii. 11.) 'Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.' (2 Peter iii. 18.) The truths of the Bible exist in counterpart, having at least two aspects, each of which must be considered in relation to the other, if their full meaning is to be understood. That is a very necessary statement in regard to the aspect of truth which we emphasize under the general heading of 'Spiritual …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

Prayer Essential to God
"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. 14th verse: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."--Isaiah 58:9. It must never be forgotten that Almighty God rules this world. He is not an absentee God. His hand is ever on the throttle of human affairs. He is everywhere present in the concerns …
Edward M. Bounds—The Weapon of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

Attributes of Love.
8. Efficiency is another attribute or characteristic of benevolence. Benevolence consists in choice, intention. Now we know from consciousness that choice or intention constitutes the mind's deepest source or power of action. If I honestly intend a thing, I cannot but make efforts to accomplish that which I intend, provided that I believe the thing possible. If I choose an end, this choice must and will energize to secure its end. When benevolence is the supreme choice, preference, or intention of …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Evidences of Regeneration.
I. Introductory remarks. 1. In ascertaining what are, and what are not, evidences of regeneration, we must constantly keep in mind what is not, and what is regeneration; what is not, and what is implied in it. 2. We must constantly recognize the fact, that saints and sinners have precisely similar constitutions and constitutional susceptibilities, and therefore that many things are common to both. What is common to both cannot, of course, he an evidence of regeneration. 3. That no state of the sensibility …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse .
To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse [1331] . Gregory to Venantius, &c. Many foolish men have supposed that, if I were advanced to the rank of the episcopate, I should decline to address thee, or to keep up communication with thee by letter. But this is not so; since I am compelled by the very necessity of my position not to hold my peace. For it is written, Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet (Isai. lviii. 1). And again it is written, I have given thee for a watchman …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
1. Consideration of the second general division in regard to the Christian life. Its beginning and sum. A twofold respect. 1. We are not our own. Respect to both the fruit and the use. Unknown to philosophers, who have placed reason on the throne of the Holy Spirit. 2. Since we are not our own, we must seek the glory of God, and obey his will. Self-denial recommended to the disciples of Christ. He who neglects it, deceived either by pride or hypocrisy, rushes on destruction. 3. Three things to be …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
John, before Pentecost, was emphatically a Son of Thunder. He could forbid a man to cast out devils in the name of Jesus, because the man was not of his own particular fold. He was ready to imitate Elijah by calling down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans who would not extend the rites of hospitality to his Master. He was eager to have the highest possible place in the coming kingdom of his Lord, and this at whatever cost. But after Pentecost, John was par excellence the apostle of love. …
Dougan Clark—The Theology of Holiness

What Manner of Man Ought to Come to Rule.
That man, therefore, ought by all means to be drawn with cords to be an example of good living who already lives spiritually, dying to all passions of the flesh; who disregards worldly prosperity; who is afraid of no adversity; who desires only inward wealth; whose intention the body, in good accord with it, thwarts not at all by its frailness, nor the spirit greatly by its disdain: one who is not led to covet the things of others, but gives freely of his own; who through the bowels of compassion …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
At A Public Fast In July, First Sabbath, 1650.(257) Deut. xxxii. 4-7.--"He is the Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are judgment," &c. There are two things which may comprehend all religion,--the knowledge of God and of ourselves. These are the principles of religion, and are so nearly conjoined together, that the one cannot be truly without the other, much less savingly. It is no wonder that Moses craved attention, and that, to the end he may attain it from an hard hearted deaf people, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and the Spirit of Error Carrieth Many Away.
There is a time when the spirit of error is going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with delusions. For Satan can change himself into an angel of light, and make many great and fairlike pretensions to holiness, and under that pretext usher in untruths, and gain the consent of many unto them; so that in such a time of temptation many are stolen off their feet, and made to depart from the right ways of God, and to embrace error and delusions instead of truth. Now the question is, …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How to Make Use of Christ for Steadfastness, in a Time when Truth is Oppressed and Borne Down.
When enemies are prevailing, and the way of truth is evil spoken of, many faint, and many turn aside, and do not plead for truth, nor stand up for the interest of Christ, in their hour and power of darkness: many are overcome with base fear, and either side with the workers of iniquity, or are not valiant for the truth, but being faint-hearted, turn back. Now the thoughts of this may put some who desire to stand fast, and to own him and his cause in a day of trial, to enquire how they shall make …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The First Galilean Ministry.
The visit to Nazareth was in many respects decisive. It presented by anticipation an epitome of the history of the Christ. He came to His own, and His own received Him not. The first time He taught in the Synagogue, as the first time He taught in the Temple, they cast Him out. On the one and the other occasion, they questioned His authority, and they asked for a sign.' In both instances, the power which they challenged was, indeed, claimed by Christ, but its display, in the manner which they expected, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Putting God to Work
"For from of old men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen a God beside thee who worketh for him that waiteth for him."--Isaiah 64:4. The assertion voiced in the title given this chapter is but another way of declaring that God has of His own motion placed Himself under the law of prayer, and has obligated Himself to answer the prayers of men. He has ordained prayer as a means whereby He will do things through men as they pray, which He would not otherwise do. Prayer …
Edward M. Bounds—The Weapon of Prayer

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."--Jeremiah i. 8. The Prophets were ever ungratefully treated by the Israelites, they were resisted, their warnings neglected, their good services forgotten. But there was this difference between the earlier and the later Prophets; the earlier lived and died in honour among their people,--in outward honour; though hated and thwarted by the wicked, they were exalted to high places, and ruled in the congregation. …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
1. Connection of this chapter with the previous one and the subsequent chapters. Repentance follows faith, and is produced by it. Reason. Error of those who take a contrary view. 2. Their First Objection. Answer. In what sense the origin of Repentance ascribed to Faith. Cause of the erroneous idea that faith is produced by repentance. Refutation of it. The hypocrisy of Monks and Anabaptists in assigning limits to repentance exposed. 3. A second opinion concerning repentance considered. 4. A third …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

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