Isaiah 58:10

And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:

And if thou draw out {H6329} thy soul {H5315} to the hungry {H7457}, and satisfy {H7646} the afflicted {H6031} soul {H5315}; then shall thy light {H216} rise {H2224} in obscurity {H2822}, and thy darkness {H653} be as the noonday {H6672}:

generously offer food to the hungry and meet the needs of the person in trouble; then your light will rise in the darkness, and your gloom become like noon.

and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will go forth in the darkness, and your night will be like noonday.

and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in darkness, and thine obscurity be as the noonday;

Commentary

Isaiah 58:10 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the heart of God's desire for His people: genuine compassion and active justice towards the vulnerable. It contrasts superficial religious observance with authentic faith expressed through practical love.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in Isaiah 58, where God confronts the Israelites for their hypocritical religious practices. They were observing fasts and rituals, but neglecting justice and mercy. God declares that the "fast" He truly desires is not merely abstaining from food, but actively working for the liberation of the oppressed and caring for the needy. The preceding verses, such as Isaiah 58:6-7, describe this true fast as breaking yokes, sharing food, and clothing the naked. Verse 10 builds upon this, emphasizing the internal disposition required for such outward acts.

Key Themes

  • Compassion and Empathy: The phrase "draw out thy soul to the hungry" speaks to a deep, personal involvement and identification with the suffering of others. It implies more than mere charity; it's an outpouring of one's inner being.
  • Active Benevolence: The verse calls for practical action: "satisfy the afflicted soul." This isn't passive pity but active intervention to meet the needs of those who are suffering, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This aligns with biblical principles of caring for the least of these.
  • Divine Illumination and Blessing: The promised outcome is profound: "then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday." This signifies that when individuals or communities genuinely care for the needy, God's blessing will manifest in their lives. What was once dark, confusing, or hidden will become clear, bright, and evident, reflecting God's favor and guidance. It speaks to a spiritual transformation and an overcoming of difficult circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "draw out thy soul" translates from the Hebrew verb puq (ืคึผื•ึผืง) in conjunction with nephesh (ื ึถืคึถืฉื), which often refers to the soul, self, or life force. It conveys the idea of pouring out one's very being, extending oneself fully, or spending oneself for the benefit of another. It's a deep, heartfelt commitment rather than a superficial offering. The "light" ('or) and "darkness" (choshek) are common biblical metaphors for blessing/curse, knowledge/ignorance, or prosperity/adversity, here transformed by God's promise.

Practical Application

Isaiah 58:10 challenges believers today to examine the authenticity of their faith. True worship and genuine spiritual vitality are inextricably linked to how we treat the marginalized and suffering. It encourages us to:

  1. Cultivate deep empathy: Seek to understand and feel the pain of those around us, moving beyond indifference.
  2. Engage in active service: Look for tangible ways to meet needs, whether through feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, or advocating for the oppressed.
  3. Trust in God's promise: Believe that as we pour ourselves out for others, God will illuminate our paths, bring clarity to our challenges, and bless our lives in unexpected ways, even in challenging times. This verse assures us that living a life of compassion brings about a profound spiritual brightness and divine favor.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 11:24

    ยถ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

  • Proverbs 11:25

    ยถ The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

  • Isaiah 58:7

    [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

  • Isaiah 58:8

    ยถ 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 42:16

    And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

  • Job 11:17

    And [thine] age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

  • Psalms 37:6

    And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.