Isaiah 58:9

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry out, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and malicious talk,

Study Bible

Then you will call
The phrase "Then you will call" signifies a moment of divine response and interaction. In the Hebrew text, the word for "call" is "קָרָא" (qara), which implies not just a vocal cry but an earnest seeking or summoning. This calling is a result of the preceding actions of repentance and genuine fasting described earlier in Isaiah 58. It reflects a relationship where the believer reaches out to God with the expectation of being heard, emphasizing the personal and communal nature of prayer in the life of a believer.

and the LORD will answer
The assurance that "the LORD will answer" is a profound promise. The Hebrew word for "answer" is "עָנָה" (anah), which means to respond or reply. This is not a passive acknowledgment but an active engagement from God. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be attentive to the cries of His people. It underscores the faithfulness of God to respond to those who earnestly seek Him, reinforcing the idea that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

you will cry out
The phrase "you will cry out" uses the Hebrew "שָׁוַע" (shava), which conveys a sense of desperation and urgency. This cry is more than a simple request; it is a plea for help, often arising from a place of deep need or distress. In the biblical context, such cries are frequently associated with moments of deliverance, where God intervenes in response to the heartfelt cries of His people. It highlights the human condition of dependency on divine intervention and the assurance that God is attentive to such cries.

and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
The declaration "and He will say, ‘Here I am.’" is a powerful affirmation of God's presence. The Hebrew phrase "הִנֵּנִי" (hineni) is used, which means "Here I am" or "Behold, I am here." This is a statement of readiness and availability, often used in the Bible to denote a servant's readiness to serve or respond. In this context, it is God Himself who declares His presence and readiness to act on behalf of His people. This assurance of God's presence is central to the message of hope and restoration in Isaiah, reminding believers of God's unwavering commitment to be with them in times of need.

If you remove the yoke from your midst
The "yoke" symbolizes oppression and burdens, often used in the Bible to describe the heavy burdens imposed by sin or unjust practices. The Hebrew word "מוֹטָה" (motah) refers to a bar or yoke used to control animals, metaphorically representing any form of bondage or oppression. The call to "remove the yoke" is an invitation to break free from these burdens, whether they are self-imposed or placed by others. It is a call to justice and righteousness, aligning with the broader themes of Isaiah 58, which emphasize true worship as living out God's justice and mercy.

the pointing of the finger and malicious talk
This phrase addresses behaviors that cause division and harm within the community. "The pointing of the finger" is a gesture of accusation and blame, while "malicious talk" refers to harmful speech that can destroy relationships and community harmony. The Hebrew context suggests a call to cease from slander and false accusations, which are contrary to the character of God and the unity He desires among His people. This admonition aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and maintaining peace and integrity in relationships.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who promises to respond to His people's cries when they align their lives with His will.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who conveyed God's message to the people of Israel, calling them to genuine repentance and righteous living.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Isaiah prophesied, often struggling with idolatry and injustice, yet called to be a light to the nations.

4. The Yoke
Symbolic of oppression and burdens, representing unjust practices and behaviors that God calls His people to remove.

5. Malicious Talk
Refers to harmful speech, including slander and gossip, which God instructs His people to eliminate from their lives.

Teaching Points

God's Readiness to Respond
God is eager to answer the prayers of His people when they live in obedience and righteousness.

Removing Oppression
Believers are called to actively eliminate unjust practices and burdens they place on others, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

Guarding Our Speech
Our words should build up and encourage, not tear down or harm others, aligning with God's call to eliminate malicious talk.

Repentance and Relationship
True repentance involves turning away from sin and towards God, fostering a deeper relationship where He is present and active in our lives.

Community Impact
As believers live out these principles, they become a testimony to God's character, impacting their communities positively.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of God's response in Isaiah 58:9 encourage you in your prayer life?

2. What are some "yokes" or burdens in your life or community that need to be removed to align with God's call in this passage?

3. How can you actively work to eliminate malicious talk from your daily interactions?

4. In what ways does Isaiah 58:9 challenge you to live out your faith in practical ways that impact others?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures deepen your understanding of God's desire for justice and righteousness in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 7:7-8
Jesus teaches about asking, seeking, and knocking, promising that God will respond to those who earnestly seek Him, similar to the promise in Isaiah 58:9.

James 4:8
James encourages believers to draw near to God, and He will draw near to them, echoing the relational aspect of God's promise in Isaiah.

Micah 6:8
This verse highlights what God requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, aligning with the call to remove oppression and malicious talk.

Psalm 34:17
The psalmist declares that the righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them, delivering them from their troubles, reinforcing God's responsiveness to His people.

Ephesians 4:29
Paul instructs believers to let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths, which aligns with the call to eliminate malicious talk in Isaiah 58:9.