Discovery BoxIsaiah 58:2-5 
Context58:2 They seek me day after day;
they want to know my requirements, 1
like a nation that does what is right
and does not reject the law of their God.
They ask me for just decrees;
they want to be near God.
58:3 They lament, 2 ‘Why don’t you notice when we fast?
Why don’t you pay attention when we humble ourselves?’
Look, at the same time you fast, you satisfy your selfish desires, 3
you oppress your workers. 4
58:4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by 5 arguments, brawls,
and fistfights. 6
Do not fast as you do today,
trying to make your voice heard in heaven.
58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? 7
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, 8
bowing their heads like a reed
and stretching out 9 on sackcloth and ashes?
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?
1 tn Heb “ways” (so KJV, NAB, NASB, NIV, NRSV, TEV); NLT “my laws.”
2 tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
3 tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”
4 tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.
5 tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”
6 tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”
7 tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”
8 tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
9 tn Or “making [their] bed.”
