Wherefore have we fasted] They will expostulate with God, when they seem not to be heard; as if they had most sincerely and seriously sought him, Jer. 3. 4, 5. Mic. 6. 6.
thou takest no knowledge] Heb. knowest not. as Jeremiah 3:13. or, takest no notice of it; of what we do.
in the day of your fast] Ye deal wickedly, even at those times, and on those dayes, wherein ye would seem to be most devour, Jeremiah 9:3. Ezekiel 23:38-39.
you find pleasure] Ye follow those courses, that you are most taken with, and are more delightful to you then any food, Proverbs 2:14. & 4. 16, 17. Matth. 23. 14, 23. Luke 18:12.
exact all your labours] Heb. griefs. or, vexations. Numbers 23:21. Job 4:8. Or, things wherewith you grieve others. Ye exact your debts with rigour and crueltie, 2 Kings 4:1. Nehem. 5. 4, 5, 7. Or, use rigorously those your brethren, who through poverty are enforced to serve you, Leviticus 25:39. Jeremiah 40:10-11. by these offices of the second Table, wherein they failed, shewing their pretended faith and piety not to be sound, nor sincere, Chap. 1. 17, 18. James 1:27. and 2. 14,—26. 1 John 3:17. & 4. 20, 21.
ye shall not fast as ye do this day] Or, ye sast not as this day.
to make yor voyce to be beard on high] Never look to have your fasting and prayer heard in heaven, Chap. 57. 15. 1 King. 8. 32, 36. so long as ye use contention and oppression, Chap. 1. 15. Never look to find mercy with God, while you refuse to shew mercy to others, Proverbs 21:13. Matthew 6:15. and Matthew 18:35. James 2:13.