This chapter deals with the National wickedness of the people.
De Hoff, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This chapter contains a severe reproof of the Jews on account of their vices, particularly their hypocrisy in relying on outward ceremonies such as fasting and bodily humiliation while refusing to repent of their sins and obey God’s commandments.’
Here we read that Israel is hypocritical in her religion. The preacher of repentance is not to speak ‘smooth things’, but unceasingly and without restraint, he must call for the people to repent. Isaiah must be bold and lift up his voice like a trumpet.
They fast, and there is no response from God, they offer their sacrifices, but there is no one there to accept them. In many cases, these fasts were turned into feasts and days of pleasure for the master while the servants were required to engage in hard labour.
Worship was turned into quarrelling and quibbling because they deceived themselves into believing that if they performed religious ordinances, God would respond to their needs, Philippians 1:15.
Here we read of an explanation of the kind of fast and service God demanded. It was inconsistent to legally fast, and at the same time be hard on their labourers, refusing to feed the poor, and even refusing to care for one’s own family.
To obtain the blessings of God, Israel must repent and turn back to him. If they would correct their behaviour in their relationships with their fellow man, then their pleas to the Lord would bring a response. If they would respond to God’s will, God would respond with His presence.
If they passed on a spiritual legacy of repentance to their children, there would be good times for their children. When the fathers repent, the children see in them their commitment to the Lord.
They had made the Sabbath a time to speak of business deals or seeking pleasures of this world. Instead of focusing on the Lord on the Sabbath rest, they took the opportunity to carry on with business arrangements.
If they would turn from such worldly-mindedness on a day that was to be devoted to spiritual thinking, God would turn to them with blessings.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Again, notice that all-important IF standing at the head of Isaiah 58:13. The multiple requirements are as follows.’
1. That Israel must stop doing ‘their own thing’ on the sabbath day.
2. They must stop teaching and parroting the words of men, their own words, and begin honouring God’s Word.
3. They are commanded to call the sabbath day honourable, and a delight.
4. They must actually honour the sabbath, not merely refer to it as honourable.
5. They must actually do the things God commanded on that day.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."