That day is to be a very holy day, one on which they fast and do no work at all. These regulations are to be observed for all time to come.

"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.

For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light."

We who believe, then, do receive that rest which God promised. It is just as he said, "I was angry and made a solemn promise: 'They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!' " He said this even though his work had been finished from the time he created the world.

Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.

(SEE 23:26)

But when they were sick, I dressed in mourning; I deprived myself of food; I prayed with my head bowed low,

My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart.

I humble myself by fasting, and people insult me;

I dress myself in clothes of mourning, and they laugh at me.

Let those who wept as they planted their crops, gather the harvest with joy!

Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest.

"I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.

"I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn.

I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people.

The people ask, "Why should we fast if the LORD never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention?" The LORD says to them, "The truth is that at the same time you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers.

When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that?

Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.

To give to those who mourn in Zion Joy and gladness instead of grief, A song of praise instead of sorrow. They will be like trees That the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right, And God will be praised for what he has done.

"Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!

If we would examine ourselves first, we would not come under God's judgment.