Isaiah 1:10–20

10 Hear the word of the Lord, a

you rulers of Sodom!

Listen to the instruction of our God,

you people of Gomorrah! b

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. c

12 When you come to appear before Me,

who requires this from you—

this trampling of My courts?

13 Stop bringing useless offerings. d

Your incense is detestable to Me.

New Moons and Sabbaths, e

and the calling of solemn assemblies f—

I cannot stand iniquity g 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 lift up your hands in prayer, h

I will refuse to look at you;

even if you offer countless prayers,

I will not listen. i

Your hands are covered with blood. j

Purification of Jerusalem

16 “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. k

Remove your evil deeds from My sight.

Stop doing evil. l

17 Learn to do what is good.

Seek justice. m

Correct the oppressor. n

Defend the rights of the fatherless.

Plead the widow’s cause.

18 “Come, let us discuss this,” o

says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they will be as white as snow; p

though they are as red as crimson,

they will be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,

you will eat the good things of the land. q

20 But if you refuse and rebel,

you will be devoured by the sword.” r

For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. s