Isaiah 58

Ministry of Christ

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6

The true fast frees the oppressed. Jesus folded this phrase ('to set at liberty them that are bruised') into His reading of Isaiah 61 at Nazareth, describing His own mission of setting people free.

• quoted by Luke 4:18 — 'To set at liberty them that are bruised' echoes this verse.
• the same event in Isaiah 61:1 — Both describe liberating captives and the oppressed.

Jehovah

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:8–11

When people fast in a way that serves others, the Lord promises to answer at once, 'Here I am,' to guard them, guide them, and make them like a spring of water that never fails. Christ is the one who gives that never-failing water.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• alluded to by John 4:14 — The water Christ gives becomes a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
• the same title in Isaiah 52:12 — The LORD as Israel's rereward.

Jehovah

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Isaiah 58:13–14

Keeping the Sabbath is a way to honor the Lord and find delight in Him. Jesus declared Himself Lord of the Sabbath.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• the same title in Mark 2:28 — 'The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.'