In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is addressing the Israelites who were observing the Sabbath in a legalistic and superficial manner. He is admonishing them to honor the Sabbath day as a holy day, and not to treat it as an ordinary day to pursue their own pleasures and interests.
Isaiah emphasizes the importance of honoring the Sabbath day, not only by refraining from work but also by actively seeking to delight in the day and to honor it as a holy day. The Sabbath is not just a day of rest, but also a day of spiritual renewal and connection with God. By refraining from doing their own ways, finding their own pleasure, and speaking their own words, the Israelites would be able to focus on God and experience His presence in a deeper way.
The promise of delighting in Yahweh and riding on the high places of the earth is a metaphorical expression of the blessings that God will bestow on those who honor the Sabbath day. The "high places" represent a position of honor and favor in God's sight, and the "heritage of Jacob" represents the blessings and inheritance that God promised to the Israelites as His chosen people.
In essence, Isaiah 58:13-14 is a call to the Israelites to rediscover the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath day. It is not just a day of rest, but a day of spiritual renewal, connection with God, and rejoicing in His presence. By honoring the Sabbath day in this way, the Israelites would be able to experience the fullness of God's blessings and favor in their lives.
This passage has relevance for us today as well, as we too are called to honor the Sabbath day as a holy day and to seek to delight in God's presence. The Sabbath is not just a day to catch up on sleep or errands, but a day to renew our spirits, connect with God, and experience His blessings in our lives. By setting aside our own interests and desires on the Sabbath day and focusing on God, we can experience the joy and blessings that come from a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.
In conclusion, Isaiah 58:13-14 is a reminder to us all of the importance of honoring the Sabbath day and seeking to delight in God's presence. By setting aside our own desires and focusing on God on the Sabbath day, we can experience His blessings and favor in our lives, and ride on the high places of the earth as His chosen people.
Isaiah 58:13-14. “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of Yahweh honorable; and shall honor it, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words: then you shall delight yourself in Yahweh; and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father:” for Yahweh’s mouth has spoken it.