Study Desk

Hear ^(y)the word of the Lord , You rulers of ^(z)Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah.

"^(aa)What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the Lord . "I ^[d]have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.

"When you come ^(ab)to appear before Me, Who requires ^[e]of you this trampling of My courts?

"Bring your worthless offerings no longer, ^(ac)Incense is an abomination to Me. ^(ad)New moon and sabbath, the ^(ae)calling of assemblies— I cannot ^(af)endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.

"I hate your new moon festivals and your ^(ag)appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am ^(ah)weary of bearing them.

"So when you ^(ai)spread out your hands in prayer, ^(aj)I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you ^(ak)multiply prayers, I will not listen. ^(al)Your hands are ^[f]covered with blood.

"^(am)Wash yourselves, ^(an)make yourselves clean; ^(ao)Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. ^(ap)Cease to do evil,

Learn to do good; ^(aq)Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, ^[g](ar)Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.

"Come now, and ^(as)let us reason together," Says the Lord , "^(at)Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.

"^(au)If you consent and obey, You will ^(av)eat the best of the land;

"But if you refuse and rebel, You will be ^(aw)devoured by the sword." Truly, ^(ax)the mouth of the Lord has spoken.