Isaiah 58:5 meaning

True fasting, according to the Lord, is about aligning the heart with His will rather than merely performing religious rituals. This verse emphasizes the inadequacy of hypocritical worship characterized by external displays without genuine repentance or justice. The people of Israel engaged in acts of humiliation, such as fasting and dressing in sackcloth, but their actions were empty, reflecting a superficial faith devoid of true spiritual engagement. God desires a fasting journey that leads to tangible outcomes, including justice for the oppressed and compassion for the needy, rather than just a token expression of sorrow.