Isaiah 1:10-17

10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

 11 "The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

12 When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?

 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

 14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.

 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers,I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;

 16 wash and make yourselves clean.Take your evil deedsout of my sight!
       Stop doing wrong,

 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. [a] Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Guiding Questions

1. What is the main point of this passage?
2. How does this passage compare to your notions of what a prophet would say?
3. Does this passage diminish the importance of prayer?

Compiled by Shira Wallach and Jackie Gerber

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