Study Desk

'Why have we ^(C1)fasted and You do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves and You do not ^(F1)notice?' Behold, on the ^(C2)day of your fast you find your desire, And oppress all your workers.

-"Behold, you fast for contention and ^(C1)strife, and to strike with a wicked fist. You do not fast like you have done today to ^(C2)make your voice heard on high!

-"Is it a fast like this that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it for bowing ^(F1)one's head like a reed And for spreading out ^(C1)sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an ^(C2)acceptable day to the LORD?

-"Is this not the fast that I choose: To ^(C1)release the bonds of wickedness, To undo the ropes of the yoke, And to ^(C2)let the oppressed go free, And ^(C3)break every yoke?

-"Is it not to ^(C1)break your bread ^(F1)with the hungry And ^(C2)bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the ^(C3)naked, to cover him; And not to ^(C4)hide yourself from your own flesh?