The Worship God Demands

66 Thus says the Lord:

Heaven is my throne

and the earth is my footstool;

what is the house that you would build for me,

and what is my resting place?

2 All these things my hand has made,

and so all these things are mine,a

says the Lord.

But this is the one to whom I will look,

to the humble and contrite in spirit,

who trembles at my word.

3 Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who kills a human being;

whoever sacrifices a lamb, like one who breaks a dog’s neck;

whoever presents a grain offering, like one who offers swine’s blood;b

whoever makes a memorial offering of frankincense, like one who blesses an idol.

These have chosen their own ways,

and in their abominations they take delight;

4 I also will choose to mockc them,

and bring upon them what they fear;

because, when I called, no one answered,

when I spoke, they did not listen;

but they did what was evil in my sight,

and chose what did not please me.

The Lord Vindicates Zion

5 Hear the word of the Lord,

you who tremble at his word:

Your own people who hate you

and reject you for my name’s sake

have said, “Let the Lord be glorified,

so that we may see your joy”;

but it is they who shall be put to shame.

6 Listen, an uproar from the city!

A voice from the temple!

The voice of the Lord,

dealing retribution to his enemies!