58:6 No, this is the kind of fast I want.
I want you
to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke,
to set free the oppressed,
and to break every burdensome yoke.
66:1 This is what the Lord says:
“The heavens are my throne
and the earth is my footstool.
Where then is the house you will build for me?
Where is the place where I will rest?
58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want?
Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves,
bowing their heads like a reed
and stretching out
Is this really what you call a fast,
a day that is pleasing to the Lord?
3:1 Look, the sovereign Lord who commands armies
is about to remove from Jerusalem
every source of security, including
all the food and water,
26:10 If the wicked are shown mercy,
they do not learn about justice.
Even in a land where right is rewarded, they act unjustly;
they do not see the Lord’s majesty revealed.
30:12 For this reason this is what the Holy One of Israel says:
“You have rejected this message;
you trust instead in your ability to oppress and trick,
and rely on that kind of behavior.
34:15 Owls
they will hatch them and protect them.
Yes, hawks
each with its mate.
47:15 They will disappoint you,
those you have so faithfully dealt with since your youth.
Each strays off in his own direction,
leaving no one to rescue you.”
58:4 Look, your fasting is accompanied by
and fistfights.
Do not fast as you do today,
trying to make your voice heard in heaven.
28:25 Once he has leveled its surface,
does he not scatter the seed of the caraway plant,
sow the seed of the cumin plant,
and plant the wheat, barley, and grain in their designated places?
30:18 For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy;
he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you.
Indeed, the Lord is a just God;
all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.
34:14 Wild animals and wild dogs will congregate there;
wild goats will bleat to one another.
Yes, nocturnal animals
and make for themselves a nest.
40:2 “Speak kindly to
that her time of warfare is over,
that her punishment is completed.
For the Lord has made her pay double
44:11 Look, all his associates
the craftsmen are mere humans.
Let them all assemble and take their stand!
They will panic and be put to shame.
44:20 He feeds on ashes;
his deceived mind misleads him.
He cannot rescue himself,
nor does he say, ‘Is this not a false god I hold in my right hand?’
41:7 The craftsman encourages the metalsmith,
the one who wields the hammer encourages
He approves the quality of the welding,
and nails it down so it won’t fall over.”