11 “What are all your sacrifices to me?”

asks the Lord.

“I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams

and the fat of well-fed cattle;

I have no desire for the blood of bulls,

lambs, or male goats.y

12 When you come to appear before me,

who requires this from you—

this trampling of my courts?

13 Stop bringing useless offerings.z

Your incense is detestable to me.

New Moons and Sabbaths,aa

and the calling of solemn assembliesab—

I cannot stand iniquityac with a festival.

14 I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals.

They have become a burden to me;

I am tired of putting up with them.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,ad

I will refuse to look at you;

even if you offer countless prayers,

I will not listen.ae

Your hands are covered with blood.af

PURIFICATION OF JERUSALEM

16 “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves.ag

Remove your evil deeds from my sight.

Stop doing evil.ah

17 Learn to do what is good.

Pursue justice.ai

Correct the oppressor.D

Defend the rights of the fatherless.

Plead the widow’s cause.

18 “Come, let’s settle this,”a

says the Lord.

“Though your sins are scarlet,

they will be as white as snow;b

though they are crimson red,

they will be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the good things of the land.c