Isaiah 1:11–20

^11*He says, “Do you think I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals. I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. ^12*Who asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do all this tramping about in my Temple? ^13*It’s useless to bring your offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings; they are all corrupted by your sins. ^14*I hate your New Moon Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing. ¹⁵“When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. ¹⁶Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil ¹⁷and learn to do right. See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” ¹⁸The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow.^a Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.^{b 19}If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. ²⁰But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.”