Is 1:10-20

10* Hear the word of the LORD,

princes of Sodom!

Listen to the instruction of our God,

people of Gomorrah!

11What do I care for the multitude of your sacrifices?

says the LORD.

I have had enough of whole-burnt rams

and fat of fatlings;

In the blood of calves, lambs, and goats

I find no pleasure.f

12When you come to appear before me,

who asks these things of you?

13Trample my courts no more!

To bring offerings is useless;

incense is an abomination to me.

New moon and sabbath, calling assemblies—

festive convocations with wickedness—

these I cannot bear.g

14Your new moons and festivals I detest;h

they weigh me down, I tire of the load.

15When you spread out your hands,

I will close my eyes to you;

Though you pray the more,

I will not listen.

Your hands are full of blood!* i

16Wash yourselves clean!

Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;

cease doing evil;

17learn to do good.

Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,

hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.j

18Come now, let us set things right,*

says the LORD:

Though your sins be like scarlet,

they may become white as snow;

Though they be red like crimson,

they may become white as wool.k

19If you are willing, and obey,

you shall eat the good things of the land;

20But if you refuse and resist,

you shall be eaten by the sword:

for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!