Yesaya 42:3

42:3 A crushed reed he will not break,

a dim wick he will not extinguish; ¹ 

he will faithfully make just decrees. ² 

Yesaya 58:5

58:5 Is this really the kind of fasting I want? ³ 

Do I want a day when people merely humble themselves, ⁴ 

bowing their heads like a reed

and stretching out ⁵  on sackcloth and ashes?

Is this really what you call a fast,

a day that is pleasing to the Lord?

[42:3]  ¹ sn The “crushed reed” and “dim wick” symbolize the weak and oppressed who are on the verge of extinction.

[42:3]  ² tn Heb “faithfully he will bring out justice” (cf. NASB, NRSV).

[58:5]  ³ tn Heb “choose” (so NASB, NRSV); NAB “wish.”

[58:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “a day when man humbles himself.” The words “Do I want” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[58:5]  ⁵ tn Or “making [their] bed.”