Set the oppressed free
Isaiah 58:6 - True deliverance is found only in Christ, whose sacrifice and resurrection fulfilled this prophetic vision.
This image was created using DALL·E, OpenAI’s legacy image generation model.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”
Isaiah 58:6 NIV
We’re back to the prophecies of Isaiah! This time, the Lord (speaking through Isaiah) has exposed the shallow worship of His people and in this verse He begins to describe the type of worship that is acceptable.
God is asking His people a question, in order to make them do some soul-searching and really understand what it is that He wants. The Lord doesn’t want the ritualistic and superficial fasting and other practices that the people think is worship. Being truly devoted to God, both in the day of Isaiah and now) consists of acting ethically and compassionately towards all people.
The question begins with an image of breaking chains and untying the cords binding a person to a yoke, signifying freedom from injustice and sin. In the time of Isaiah, justice was a crucial focus of the Law and the prophets often called the people to champion righteousness. This is a call for the people to repent and truly be transformed, actively opposing and tearing down social systems that thrived on sin and the oppression of others. God wants His people to be advocates of liberation, reflecting His deliverance of believers from their burdens.
This message is repeated in the Gospels by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30:
““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
This image was created using DALL·E, OpenAI’s legacy image generation model.
God, through Isaiah, called the people to action — “to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke.” This is more than just a call to set slaves free; it’s a mandate to show compassion and justice to everyone, and a sign of liberation from sin and death! True deliverance is found only in Christ, whose sacrifice and resurrection fulfilled this prophetic vision.
I’ll close with a bit of commentary on this verse from Enduring Word:
Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness: God tells His people, “If you want to fast the way that pleases Me, begin with getting right with your brothers and sisters. Stop oppressing others and reach out to help others.”
b. Loose the bonds of wickedness…undo the heavy burdens…let the oppressed go free…break every yoke: First, they had to stop acting wickedly towards others. This means that getting right with God begins by stopping the evil we do towards others
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Gracious and Merciful Lord, You are the God who breaks every shackle and eases every burden. Teach us to walk in Your footsteps, not just with words, but with actions. Give us the motivation and ability to loosen the chains of injustice, untie the cords of the yoke of sin, and set the oppressed free. Fill us with Your compassion, so we may be agents of Your mercy in a world beset by pain. Use our hands to heal, our voices to speak truth, and our hearts to reflect Your love. AMEN.