Why have we fasted, they say, and you do not see it? why have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge of it? Behold, in the day of your fast you indulge your desires, and oppress all your laborers.
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourns among you:
But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you;