Isaiah 1:10-20

Isaiah 1:10-20

[10] Hear  the word  ye rulers  of Sodom;  give ear  unto the law  of our God,  ye people  of Gomorrah.  [11] To what  purpose is the multitude  of your sacrifices  unto me? saith  the LORD:  I am full  of the burnt offerings  of rams,  and the fat  of fed beasts;  and I delight  not in the blood  of bullocks,  or of lambs,  or of he goats.  [12] When ye come  to appear  before  me, who hath required  this at your hand,  to tread  my courts?  [13] Bring  no more  vain  oblations;  incense  is an abomination  unto me; the new moons  and sabbaths,  the calling  of assemblies,  I cannot away with;  it is iniquity,  even the solemn meeting.  [14] Your new moons  and your appointed feasts  my soul  hateth:  they are a trouble  unto me; I am weary  to bear  [15] And when ye spread forth  your hands,  I will hide  mine eyes  from you: yea, when ye make many  prayers,  I will not hear:  your hands  are full  of blood.  [16] Wash  you, make you clean;  put away  the evil  of your doings  from before  mine eyes;  cease  to do evil;  [17] Learn  to do well;  seek  judgment,  relieve  the oppressed,  judge  the fatherless,  plead  for the widow.  [18] and let us reason together,  saith  the LORD:  though your sins  be as scarlet,  they shall be as white  as snow;  though they be red  like crimson,  they shall be as wool.  [19] If ye be willing  and obedient,  ye shall eat  the good  of the land:  [20] But if ye refuse  and rebel,  ye shall be devoured  with the sword:  for the mouth  of the LORD  hath spoken  it.

What does Isaiah 1:10-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The prophet laid out two alternatives for the people to choose between in relating to God in their pitiful condition. They could continue to rely on religious ritual (cult) to manipulate God ( Isaiah 1:10-15), or they could change their ways and live morally and ethically pure lives ( Isaiah 1:16-17). The choice was theirs ( Isaiah 1:18-20).