Unlocking True Fasting: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Isaiah 58

Executive Summary ✨

Isaiah 58, a profound prophetic oracle, isn’t merely about abstaining from food; it’s a piercing call to true fasting – a spiritual discipline interwoven with justice, mercy, and genuine compassion. The chapter unveils God’s displeasure with superficial acts of piety devoid of heartfelt transformation and societal impact. Instead, the Lord demands that we loosen the bonds of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, and share our bread with the hungry. Through a Coptic Orthodox lens, this chapter echoes the ancient ascetic tradition while emphasizing the inextricable link between personal holiness and social responsibility. It’s a challenge to examine our hearts, to move beyond outward religious observances, and to embody the love and justice of Christ in a world desperately yearning for both. This passage provides a profound roadmap for spiritual renewal and societal transformation, urging us to become true instruments of God’s grace.

Isaiah 58 presents a powerful message about the nature of true worship and spiritual discipline. It’s not enough to simply abstain from food; we must also abstain from injustice and embrace compassion. Let us delve into the depths of this chapter, exploring its meaning through the rich tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church, enriched by Patristic wisdom and practical application. This chapter teaches us to practice true fasting, not for outward show, but for inward transformation and societal healing.

Commentary Sections 📖

Isaiah 58:1 (KJV)

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

הֵן קוֹל בְּגָרוֹן אַל־תַּחְשֹׂךְ כַּשׁוֹפָר הָרֵם קוֹלְךָ וְהַגֵּד לְעַמִּי פִּשְׁעָם וּלְבֵית יַעֲקֹב חַטֹּאתָם׃

Commentary: This verse sets the stage for a forceful prophetic declaration. The prophet is commanded to “cry aloud,” signifying the urgency and gravity of the message. The image of the “trumpet” evokes a call to attention, demanding immediate heed. It is not a gentle suggestion but a bold proclamation meant to expose the sins of the people of Israel, specifically their transgressions and iniquities. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this underscores the importance of repentance and the role of the clergy in calling the faithful to accountability. This verse mirrors the prophetic call of St. John the Baptist, who also fearlessly rebuked sin to prepare the way for the Lord.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in his writings against the Arians, often used a similar approach to call out heresy and defend the true faith, highlighting the importance of speaking truth boldly, even when it is unpopular. As St. Athanasius stated in his defense of Nicene Creed, “Οὐ γὰρ πρέπει ἡμᾶς σιωπᾶν, ὁρῶντας τὴν πίστιν κινδυνεύουσαν” (For it is not fitting for us to remain silent, seeing the faith in danger). (Athanasius, *Contra Arianos*, I.28).

Application: In our modern context, this verse challenges us to confront injustice and speak out against sin, even when it is uncomfortable. We are called to be voices for the voiceless, using our platforms to advocate for truth and righteousness. Consider using digital tools to amplify your voice and spread messages of justice and compassion.

Isaiah 58:2 (KJV)

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

וְאוֹתִי יוֹם יוֹם יִדְרֹשׁוּן וְדַעַת דְּרָכַי יֶחְפָּצוּן כְּגוֹי אֲשֶׁר־צְדָקָה עָשָׂה וּמִשְׁפַּט אֱלֹהָיו לֹא עָזָב יִשְׁאָלוּנִי מִשְׁפְּטֵי־צֶדֶק קִרְבַת אֱלֹהִים יֶחְפָּצוּן׃

Commentary: This verse highlights the hypocrisy of the people. They outwardly appear to be devout, seeking God daily and delighting in His ways. They present themselves as righteous, adhering to God’s ordinances and laws. However, this outward display masks a deeper spiritual deficiency. They *think* they delight in approaching God, but their actions contradict their words. The Coptic Orthodox tradition teaches that true piety must be manifested in both word and deed. This verse reminds us that God sees beyond our outward appearances and examines the intentions of our hearts.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on similar hypocrisy in the Gospels, noting that outward zeal without inward transformation is ultimately worthless in the eyes of God. St. Cyril said, “Οὐ γὰρ ὁ λέγων, Κύριε, Κύριε, εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τῶν οὐρανῶν, ἀλλ’ ὁ ποιῶν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Πατρός μου τοῦ ἐν οὐρανοῖς.” (For not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Matthew*, 7:21).

Application: We must examine our own hearts to ensure that our outward religious practices are genuine expressions of our inner faith. Are we truly seeking God, or are we simply going through the motions? Are our actions aligned with our words? This verse serves as a powerful reminder to cultivate inner integrity and authenticity in our spiritual lives. Let us always strive for true fasting that reflects a transformed heart.

Isaiah 58:3 (KJV)

Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.

לָמָּה צַמְנוּ וְלֹא רָאִיתָ עִנִּינוּ נַפְשֵׁנוּ וְלֹא תֵדָע הֵן בְּיוֹם צֹמְכֶם תִּמְצְאוּ חֵפֶץ וְכָל־עֲצְּבֵיכֶם תִּנְגֹּשׂוּ׃

Commentary: This verse reveals the people’s frustration and confusion. They complain that God has not acknowledged their fasting and self-affliction. However, the reason for God’s silence is clear: their fasting is self-serving and hypocritical. Even during their fast, they pursue their own pleasure and exploit their laborers. This underscores the point that true fasting is not merely about abstaining from food; it’s about abstaining from selfishness, injustice, and oppression. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, fasting is a time for increased prayer, repentance, and acts of charity, not a time for pursuing personal gain.

Patristic Insight: St. Basil the Great, in his homilies on fasting, emphasized that fasting without a change in behavior is useless. He compared it to a medicine that is not taken properly, rendering it ineffective. St. Basil said, “Οὐκ ἐστι νηστεία ἀποχὴ βρωμάτων μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀποχὴ ἀπὸ πάσης κακίας.” (Fasting is not only abstinence from food, but also abstinence from every evil.) (Basil the Great, *Homily on Fasting*, 2).

Application: This verse challenges us to examine the motives behind our fasting. Are we truly seeking God, or are we simply trying to impress others or manipulate God into granting our desires? Are we using our fast as an excuse to avoid addressing our own sinfulness? True fasting requires a willingness to confront our own shortcomings and to seek genuine transformation in our lives. This also calls for a deeper understanding of the context of true worship in our community.

Isaiah 58:4 (KJV)

Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.

הֵן לְרִיב וּמַצָּה תָּצוּמוּ וְלַחְבֹּט בְּאֶגְרֹף רֶשַׁע לֹא־תָצוּמוּ כַיּוֹם לְהַשְׁמִיעַ בַּמָּרוֹם קוֹלְכֶם׃

Commentary: This verse exposes the true nature of their fasting: it is characterized by strife, debate, and violence. Instead of seeking reconciliation and peace, they use their fast as an opportunity to quarrel and oppress others. Their fasting is not directed towards God, but towards asserting their own dominance and control. This is a stark contrast to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of fasting, which emphasizes humility, gentleness, and compassion. True fasting should lead to greater love and unity, not division and conflict.

Patristic Insight: St. John Chrysostom frequently condemned those who engaged in outward religious practices while neglecting the inner virtues of love, compassion, and forgiveness. St. John Chrysostom said, “Οὐδὲν γὰρ ὠφελοῦσιν ἡμᾶς αἱ νηστεῖαι, ἐὰν μὴ καὶ τἄλλα πληρώσωμεν τὰ προσήκοντα τῇ νηστείᾳ.” (For fasts do not benefit us at all, unless we also fulfill the other things that are proper to fasting.) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, 15.6).

Application: This verse challenges us to examine our relationships and interactions with others during times of fasting. Are we using our fast as an excuse to be irritable, judgmental, or unkind? Are we engaging in strife and debate, or are we seeking to promote peace and reconciliation? True fasting requires a conscious effort to cultivate love, compassion, and forgiveness in all our relationships. This is a vital part of true fasting.

Isaiah 58:5 (KJV)

Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?

הֲכָזֶה יִהְיֶה צוֹם אֶבְחָרֵהוּ יוֹם עַנּוֹת אָדָם נַפְשׁוֹ הֲלָכֹף כְּאַגְמֹן רֹאשׁוֹ וְשַׂק וָאֵפֶר יַצִּיעַ הֲלָזֶה תִּקְרָא צוֹם וְיוֹם רָצוֹן לַיהוָה׃

Commentary: God challenges the superficiality of their fasting. Is it merely about physical affliction, bowing one’s head like a reed, and wearing sackcloth and ashes? God rejects this outward display of piety as insufficient. True fasting, in God’s eyes, goes far beyond external rituals. It involves a deep transformation of the heart and a commitment to justice and compassion. The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes that fasting should be accompanied by sincere repentance, prayer, and acts of mercy.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa emphasizes the importance of inner transformation, stating that outward observances are meaningless without a corresponding change in the heart. St. Gregory of Nyssa said, “Οὐ γὰρ ἐν τῷ φαγεῖν ἢ μὴ φαγεῖν τὸ καλόν, ἀλλ’ ἐν τῇ προαιρέσει τῇ καλῇ.” (For the good is not in eating or not eating, but in the good intention.) (Gregory of Nyssa, *On Perfection*).

Application: We must ask ourselves if our fasting is simply a performance, or if it is a genuine expression of our desire to draw closer to God. Are we focusing on the outward rituals while neglecting the inner work of repentance and transformation? This verse calls us to examine our motives and to ensure that our fasting is rooted in a sincere desire to please God. Let us learn to cultivate an intentional approach to our spiritual health during this period of reflection. This understanding is key to practicing true fasting.

Isaiah 58:6-7 (KJV)

⁶Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? ⁷Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

⁶הֲלוֹא זֶה צוֹם אֶבְחָרֵהוּ פַּתֵּחַ חַרְצֻבּוֹת רֶשַׁע הַתֵּר אֲגֻדּוֹת מוֹטָה וְשַׁלַּח רְצוּצִים חָפְשִׁים וְכָל־מוֹטָה תְּנַתֵּקוּ׃ ⁷הֲלוֹא פָרֹס לָרָעֵב לַחְמֶךָ וַעֲנִיִּים מְרוּדִים תָּבִיא בָיִת כִּי־תִרְאֶה עָרֹם וְכִסִּיתוֹ וּמִבְּשָׂרְךָ לֹא תִתְעַלָּם׃

Commentary: Here, God defines what constitutes true fasting. It’s about actively dismantling injustice and oppression. It means freeing the captives, sharing bread with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the naked. These are not merely acts of charity but acts of justice that reflect God’s own character. This resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox tradition, which emphasizes the importance of social justice and compassion for the marginalized. The Church has historically been a refuge for the poor and oppressed, providing material and spiritual support to those in need.

Patristic Insight: St. Clement of Alexandria emphasized the importance of practical charity as an integral part of Christian living, stating that faith without works is dead. St. Clement said, “Πίστις χωρὶς ἔργων νεκρά ἐστιν.” (Faith without works is dead.) (Clement of Alexandria, *Stromata*, Book II, 6).

Application: This passage is a call to action. We are challenged to identify the ways in which we can contribute to justice and compassion in our communities. This may involve advocating for the oppressed, volunteering at a local shelter, donating to a food bank, or simply being more mindful of the needs of those around us. True fasting requires a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones and to actively work for the betterment of society. As the bible stated, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15-16).

Isaiah 58:8 (KJV)

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

אָז יִבָּקַע כַּשַּׁחַר אוֹרֶךָ וַאֲרֻכָתְךָ מְהֵרָה תִצְמָח וְהָלַךְ לְפָנֶיךָ צִדְקֶךָ כְּבוֹד יְהוָה יַאַסְפֶךָ׃

Commentary: This verse promises blessings for those who practice true fasting. Their “light” will break forth like the morning, symbolizing spiritual illumination and renewed vitality. Their “health” will spring forth speedily, suggesting both physical and spiritual healing. Their “righteousness” will go before them, paving the way for God’s favor. And the “glory of the Lord” will be their rear guard, protecting them from harm. These blessings are not simply rewards for good behavior but are the natural consequences of aligning oneself with God’s will.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus spoke of the glory of God being revealed in those who truly follow His commandments and live a life of righteousness. St. Irenaeus said, “Gloria enim Dei vivens homo, vita autem hominis visio Dei.” (For the glory of God is man fully alive; and the life of man consists in beholding God.) (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies*, IV.20.7).

Application: This verse offers hope and encouragement to those who are striving to live a life of justice and compassion. It reminds us that our efforts are not in vain and that God will bless those who seek to follow Him with sincerity. We can expect renewal, divine favor, and protection as we earnestly pursue His will. This promise should motivate us to persevere in our commitment to true fasting and to trust that God will ultimately reward our faithfulness.

Isaiah 58:9-12 (KJV)

⁹Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; ¹⁰And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day: ¹¹And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. ¹²And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

⁹אָז תִּקְרָא וַיהוָה יַעֲנֶה תְּשַׁוַּע וְיֹאמַר הִנֵּנִי אִם־תָּסִיר מִקִּרְבְּךָ מוֹטָה שְׁלַח אֶצְבַּע וְדַבֶּר־אָוֶן׃ ¹⁰וְתָפֵק לָרָעֵב נַפְשֶׁךָ וְנֶפֶשׁ נַעֲנָה תַּשְׂבִּיעַ וְזָרַח בַּחֹשֶׁךְ אוֹרֶךָ וַאֲפֵלָתְךָ כַּצָּהֳרָיִם׃ ¹¹וְנָחֲךָ יְהוָה תָּמִיד וְהִשְׂבִּיעַ בְּצַחְצָחוֹת נַפְשֶׁךָ וְעַצְמֹתֶיךָ יַחֲלִיץ וְהָיִיתָ כְּגַן רָוֶה וּכְמוֹצָא מַיִם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יְכַזְּבוּ מֵימָיו׃ ¹²וּבָנוּ מִמְּךָ חָרְבוֹת עוֹלָם מוֹסְדֵי דוֹר וָדוֹר תְּקוֹמֵם וְקֹרָא לְךָ גֹּדֵר פֶּרֶץ מְשֹׁבֵב נְתִיבוֹת לָשָׁבֶת׃

Commentary: These verses detail the profound blessings that follow a life dedicated to true fasting, justice, and compassion. God promises immediate responsiveness to prayer (“Here I am”). However, this responsiveness is contingent on removing oppression (“the yoke”), ceasing judgmental attitudes (“the putting forth of the finger”), and avoiding empty talk (“speaking vanity”). Furthermore, it is required to give generously to those in need and to meet the needs of the afflicted. If these conditions are met, the person’s inner light will shine even in the darkness, God will guide them continually, and they will be like a well-watered garden, a source of life and restoration for others. They will become “repairers of the breach” and “restorers of paths to dwell in,” rebuilding communities and mending broken relationships. In the Coptic Orthodox understanding, this echoes the call to be salt and light in the world, transforming society through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Patristic Insight: St. Macarius the Great speaks of the inner transformation that occurs when we cleanse our hearts and allow the light of Christ to shine through us. St. Macarius said, “Γίνου ναὸς Θεοῦ, ἵνα τὸ Πνεῦμα τοῦ Θεοῦ κατοικήσῃ ἐν σοί.” (Become a temple of God, so that the Spirit of God may dwell in you.) (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 11.3).

Application: This passage offers a powerful vision of hope and transformation. It inspires us to embrace a life of justice, compassion, and service, knowing that God will bless our efforts and use us to bring healing and restoration to the world. This means we should be committed to:

• Actively seeking out opportunities to serve others.
• Avoiding judgmental attitudes and empty talk.
• Praying for those in need and advocating for justice.
• Being a source of encouragement and support to those around us.

By embodying these principles, we can become true instruments of God’s peace and bring light to a world that desperately needs it.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (KJV)

¹³If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: ¹⁴Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

¹³אִם־תָּשִׁיב מִשַּׁבָּת רַגְלֶךָ עֲשׂוֹת חֲפָצֶךָ בְּיוֹם קָדְשִׁי וְקָרָאתָ לַשַּׁבָּת עֹנֶג לִקְדוֹשׁ יְהוָה מְכֻבָּד וְכִבַּדְתּוֹ מֵעֲשׂוֹת דְּרָכֶיךָ מִמְּצוֹא חֶפְצְךָ וְדַבֵּר דָּבָר׃ ¹⁴אָז תִּתְעַנַּג עַל־יְהוָה וְהִרְכַּבְתִּיךָ עַל־בָּמֳתֵי אָרֶץ וְהַאֲכַלְתִּיךָ נַחֲלַת יַעֲקֹב אָבִיךָ כִּי פִּי יְהוָה דִּבֵּר׃

Commentary: These final verses emphasize the importance of honoring the Sabbath, not as a mere legalistic requirement, but as a day of delight and spiritual refreshment. It involves refraining from pursuing personal pleasures and engaging in worldly activities, and instead focusing on honoring God and seeking His will. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this echoes the importance of setting aside time for prayer, worship, and spiritual reflection, not just on Sundays, but throughout the week. True Sabbath-keeping is about entering into God’s rest and allowing Him to renew our souls. God promises that those who honor the Sabbath in this way will find delight in Him and will be elevated to “ride upon the high places of the earth,” symbolizing spiritual authority and influence. They will also be fed with the “heritage of Jacob,” representing the blessings of God’s covenant. This promise underscores the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and allowing Him to be the center of our lives. If you wish to support communities practicing true fasting, search for relevant service near me

Patristic Insight: St. Ignatius of Antioch emphasized the importance of living according to the Lord’s Day, setting it apart from other days for spiritual growth and communion with God. St. Ignatius said, “Μηκέτι σαββατίζοντες, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὴν κυριακὴν ζωὴν ζῶντες.” (No longer observing the Sabbath, but living according to the Lord’s Day.) (Ignatius of Antioch, *Letter to the Magnesians*, 9.1).

Application: This passage calls us to re-evaluate our relationship with the Sabbath and to consider how we can better honor God on His holy day. This might involve setting aside time for prayer, reading scripture, attending church, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in acts of service. The key is to prioritize our relationship with God and to allow Him to be the center of our lives, even amidst the busyness of our daily routines. The bible states, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11)

Key Reflections on True Fasting ✨

Isaiah 58 provides a multi-faceted understanding of what it truly means to fast in a way that pleases God. It’s more than just abstaining from food; it’s a holistic transformation of our lives.

• Fasting is incomplete without justice: We must actively dismantle systems of oppression and advocate for the marginalized.
• Mercy is essential: Sharing our resources with the hungry, homeless, and naked is a fundamental aspect of true fasting.
• Sincerity matters: God looks at the heart, not just the outward display of piety.
• Transformation is the goal: Fasting should lead to a renewed commitment to God and His ways.
• Blessings follow obedience: God promises to bless those who practice true fasting with spiritual illumination, healing, and guidance.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about fasting, as understood through a Coptic Orthodox lens:

• Q: Why do Coptic Orthodox Christians fast?

  A: Coptic Orthodox Christians fast to draw closer to God, to repent of their sins, and to discipline their bodies and minds. Fasting is seen as a spiritual discipline that helps us to focus on God and to cultivate humility and self-control. It is not meant to be a legalistic exercise, but a genuine expression of our love for God.

• Q: What are the rules of fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

  A: The rules of fasting vary depending on the specific fast, but generally involve abstaining from animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs) and often fish, as well as limiting the quantity and types of food consumed. The spiritual aspect is more important, including increased prayer, reading of Scripture, and acts of charity. Consult your priest or spiritual guide for specific guidelines.

• Q: Is fasting just about abstaining from food?

  A: No, true fasting involves abstaining from all forms of sin and selfishness. It’s about purifying our hearts, renewing our minds, and aligning our lives with God’s will. It also involves increased prayer, reading of Scripture, and acts of charity and service. This transformative process is vital for spiritual growth and aligning with God’s intentions.

• Q: What if I have health issues that prevent me from fasting?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church recognizes that not everyone is able to fast in the traditional way due to health concerns or other limitations. In such cases, it is important to consult with your doctor and your priest or spiritual guide to determine what alternative forms of fasting or spiritual disciplines are appropriate for you. God values our intention and desire to please Him, rather than rigid adherence to rules that could harm our health.

Conclusion 🕊️

Isaiah 58 provides a powerful and transformative vision of what it means to engage in true fasting. It is not merely about abstaining from food but about embracing a life of justice, mercy, and compassion. It is about dismantling systems of oppression, sharing our resources with the needy, and cultivating inner purity. By embodying these principles, we can become true instruments of God’s peace and bring healing and restoration to a world that desperately needs it. This profound chapter serves as a constant reminder that our outward religious practices must be accompanied by a sincere commitment to living out the love and justice of Christ in every aspect of our lives. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we are called to heed this prophetic call and to transform our fasting into a catalyst for personal and societal renewal.

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