Isaiah 58 9

Isaiah 58:9 kjv

Then 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;

Isaiah 58:9 nkjv

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

Isaiah 58:9 niv

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

Isaiah 58:9 esv

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

Isaiah 58:9 nlt

Then when you call, the LORD will answer.
'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply.
"Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

Isaiah 58 verses

Isaiah 58 9 Meaning

This verse from Isaiah speaks about God's judgment upon those who outwardly profess righteousness but inwardly harbor sin and violence. It highlights that God's justice is not based on mere external practices or pronouncements, but on the condition of the heart and the nature of one's actions. God's sight penetrates beyond outward appearances to the hidden depths of character and intent.

Isaiah 58 9 Context

Chapter 58 of Isaiah is a powerful prophecy that addresses the hypocrisy of the people of Israel. They are fasting and performing religious rituals, yet their hearts are far from God, and they continue to oppress the poor and engage in wicked practices. God, through Isaiah, condemns their outward show of piety while their inner lives and outward actions are corrupt. The preceding verses (Isaiah 58:1-8) outline what true fasting and worship entail: acts of justice, compassion, and care for the needy. This verse, 58:9, presents the consequence of continued sin and the potential for answered prayer and divine presence if the people will truly turn from their wickedness and embrace righteousness. The prophecy is situated within the broader context of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing that a right relationship with God requires a transformed heart and righteous living, not just superficial religious observance. The historical setting is likely during or after the Babylonian exile, when the nation was seeking to re-establish its relationship with God and rebuild its community.

Isaiah 58 9 Word Analysis

• "Then" (וְאָז): Implies a consequence or a result that follows a specific condition or action. It connects the divine response to a preceding change in behavior.
• "you will call" (תִּקְרָא): The Hebrew verb is in the Hiphil stem, causative, suggesting an active calling or invoking of God. It implies more than just a casual utterance, but a purposeful plea.
• "and" (וְ): A conjunction connecting clauses.
• "the LORD" (יהוה): The Tetragrammaton, God's personal covenantal name, emphasizing God's faithfulness and relationship with His people.
• "will answer" (יַעֲנֶה): From the root עָנָה (anah), meaning to respond, answer, or afflict. In this context, it signifies a benevolent response from God.
• "you will cry for help" (תִּשְׁעַ): The Hebrew verb שָׁוַע (shava) means to cry out, to call for aid, indicating a distress or need that prompts a fervent appeal.
• "and" (וְ): Conjunction.
• "he will say" (יֹאמַר): God's direct response, indicating His active engagement and reassurance.
• "Here am I" (הִנְנִי): A direct expression of God's presence and readiness to act or to listen. It's a powerful statement of God's availability when His people align with His will.
• "If you do away with" (אִם־תָּסִיר): Conditional clause introduced by אִם (im), "if". The verb סוּר (sur) means to turn aside, remove, or abolish. This signifies the removal of something iniquitous.
• "the yoke of oppression" (מוֹט הַמַּעַצֵר):
  • מוֹט (mot): Literally "yoke." It is a symbol of burden, servitude, and constraint.
  • הַמַּעַצֵר (ha-ma'ats'er): "The oppression," from the root עָצַר (atsar), meaning to shut up, to detain, to oppress, to keep back. It refers to a heavy burden, unjust restraint, or constraint imposed by others, especially on the weak and vulnerable. This includes unfair practices like withholding wages or imposing undue hardships.

Word Group Analysis:

• "you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.": This entire phrase establishes a direct causal link between the people's earnest prayer and God's immediate and favorable response. It's a promise of divine engagement following genuine spiritual seeking.
• "the yoke of oppression": This metaphorically represents all forms of unjust suffering, bondage, and exploitation. Its removal signifies a societal and personal commitment to justice and liberation for the oppressed.

Isaiah 58 9 Bonus Section

The concept of "the yoke of oppression" is significant because it touches on societal structures and individual actions that create hardship. God's call is not just for individual piety but for communal righteousness. The promise of God saying, "Here am I," highlights His desire to be present with His people, but this presence is conditional upon their willingness to embody His justice. Scholars note that this passage emphasizes a holistic approach to faith, where outward worship must be accompanied by inward transformation and outward acts of compassion. The connection between righteous living and answered prayer is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reinforcing that God's grace is extended to those who walk in His ways.

Isaiah 58 9 Commentary

Isaiah 58:9 vividly contrasts genuine divine interaction with empty ritual. God promises His presence and an attentive ear, but only for those who cease the practice of oppression and injustice. This isn't about mere words; it's about tangible actions. When the people stop "the yoke of oppression" – meaning they stop inflicting unfair burdens on others, stop using abusive language, and stop falsely accusing – then their cries to God will be heard. The phrase "Here am I" is profound; it's God declaring His presence and readiness to engage with those who are aligned with His character of justice and mercy. This echoes the New Testament principle that our relationship with God and the efficacy of our prayers are intrinsically linked to our love and compassion for our fellow human beings. If we burden others, God cannot truly hear us in our distress; but when we lighten the burdens of others, God draws near.

Practical Application Examples:

• In the Workplace: Cease exploiting employees through unfair wages, excessive demands, or abusive supervision. Instead, ensure fair treatment and create a just work environment.
• In Social Justice: Advocate for and actively participate in efforts that uplift the marginalized and remove systemic barriers causing suffering.
• In Personal Relationships: Avoid critical, judgmental, or controlling behavior towards family members or friends. Practice kindness and empathy instead.