Meaningless Offerings

10 Hear the word of the LORD,

you rulers of Sodom;

listen to the instruction of our God,

you people of Gomorrah!

11 “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?”

says the LORD.

“I am full from the burnt offerings of rams

and the fat of well-fed cattle;

I take no delight in the blood of bulls

and lambs and goats.

12 When you come to appear before Me,

who has required this of you—

this trampling of My courts?

13 Bring your worthless offerings no more;

your incense is detestable to Me—

your New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations.

I cannot endure iniquity

in a solemn assembly.

14 I hate your New Moons

and your appointed feasts.

They have become a burden to Me;

I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,

I will hide My eyes from you;

even though you multiply your prayers,

I will not listen.

Your hands are covered with blood.

16 Wash and cleanse yourselves.

Remove your evil deeds from My sight.

Stop doing evil!

17 Learn to do right;

seek justice and correct the oppressor.[fn]

Defend the fatherless

and plead the case of the widow.”

18 “Come now, let us reason together,”

says the LORD.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they will be as white as snow;

though they are as red as crimson,

they will become like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the best of the land.

20 But if you resist and rebel,

you will be devoured by the sword.”

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.