[:en]People in Judah fasted. Yet on the day of fasting, they did what they pleased and exploited their workers.
What is true fasting?
- To loosen the chains of injustice and set the oppressed free (v. 6)
- To share your food with the hungry, provide the poor with shelter and clothe the naked (v. 7)
- To do away with the yoke of oppression and malicious talk (v. 9)
- To satisfy the needs of the oppressed (v. 10)
- To keep the Sabbath holy and honorable (v. 13)
Benefits of True Fasting
- Your light will break like dawn and your healing will quickly appear; your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (v. 8)
- Your call will be answered, your cry for help will be heard (v. 9)
- Your light will rise in darkness and your night will become like the noonday (v. 10)
- The Lord will guide you always, He will satisfy your needs in a sun-schorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (v. 11)
- Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets wit Dwellings (v. 12)(
- You will find your joy in the Lord and ride on the heights of the land. You will feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob” (v. 14)
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