Can you put a cord through its nose, or pierce its jaw with a hook?

Smoke streams from its nostrils as from a boiling pot over burning rushes.

So the Lord cut off Israel’s head and tail, both the shoots and stalk in one day.

Egypt will not be able to do a thing, head or tail, shoots and stalk.

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 on sackcloth and ashes? Is this really what you call a fast, a day that is pleasing to the Lord?