5. for a man to afflict his soul--The pain felt by abstinence is
not the end to be sought, as if it were meritorious; it is of value
only in so far as it leads us to amend our ways
(Isa 58:6, 7).
bow . . . head . . . sackcloth--to affect the outward tokens, so as
to "appear to men to fast"
(Mt 6:17, 18;
1Ki 21:27;
Es 4:3).
JFB.
Picture Study Bible