Isaiah 1:11–20

¹¹The Lord asks, “What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? 

I’ve had enough of your burnt offerings of rams 

and enough fat from your fattened calves. 

I’m not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. 

¹²When you appear in my presence, 

who asked you to trample on my courtyards? 

¹³Don’t bring any more worthless grain offerings. 

Your incense is disgusting to me, 

so are your New Moon Festivals, your days of rest—a holy days, 

and the assemblies you call. 

I can’t stand your evil assemblies. 

¹⁴I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. 

They’ve become a burden to me, 

and I’m tired of putting up with them. 

¹⁵So when you stretch out your hands ⸤in prayer⸥, 

I will turn my eyes away from you. 

Even though you offer many prayers, 

I will not listen because your hands are covered with blood. 

The Lord Invites Israel to Turn Away from Sin

¹⁶“Wash yourselves! Become clean! 

Get your evil deeds out of my sight. 

Stop doing evil. 

¹⁷Learn to do good. 

Seek justice. 

Arrest oppressors. 

Defend orphans. 

Plead the case of widows.” 

¹⁸“Come on now, let’s discuss this!” says the Lord. 

“Though your sins are bright red, 

they will become as white as snow. 

Though they are dark red, 

they will become as white as wool. 

¹⁹If you are willing and obedient, 

you will eat the best from the land. 

²⁰But if you refuse and rebel, 

you will be destroyed by swords.” 

The Lord has spoken.