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They seek me day after day;
they want to know my requirements,[a]
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.
They lament,[b] ‘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,[c]
you oppress your workers.[d]
Look, your fasting is accompanied by[e] arguments, brawls,
and fistfights.[f]
Do not fast as you do today,
trying to make your voice heard in heaven.

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Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 58:2 tn Heb “ways” (so KJV, NAB, NASB, NIV, NRSV, TEV); NLT “my laws.”
  2. Isaiah 58:3 tn The words “they lament” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
  3. Isaiah 58:3 tn Heb “you find pleasure”; NASB “you find your desire.”
  4. Isaiah 58:3 tn Or perhaps, “debtors.” See HALOT 865 s.v. * עָצֵב.
  5. Isaiah 58:4 tn Heb “you fast for” (so NASB); NRSV “you fast only to quarrel.”
  6. Isaiah 58:4 tn Heb “and for striking with a sinful fist.”