Study Desk

Hear ^(C1)the word of the LORD, You rulers of ^(C2)Sodom; Listen to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah!

"^(C1)What are your many sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I ^(F1)have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fattened cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs, or goats.

-"When you come ^(C1)to appear before Me, Who requires ^(F1)of you this trampling of My courtyards?

-"Do not go on bringing your worthless offerings, ^(C1)Incense is an abomination to Me. ^(C2)New moon and Sabbath, the ^(C3)proclamation of an assembly— I cannot ^(C4)endure wrongdoing and the festive assembly.

-"^(F1)I hate your new moon festivals and your ^(C1)appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am ^(C2)tired of bearing them.

-"So when you ^(C1)spread out your hands in prayer, ^(C2)I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you ^(C3)offer many prayers, I will not be listening. ^(C4)Your hands are ^(F1)covered with blood.

"^(C1)Wash yourselves, ^(C2)make yourselves clean; ^(C3)Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. ^(C4)Stop doing evil,

Learn to do good; ^(C1)Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, ^(C2)Obtain justice for the orphan, Plead for the widow's case.

"Come now, and ^(C1)let us ^(F1)debate your case," Says the LORD, "^(C2)Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool.

-"^(C1)If you are willing and obedient, You will ^(C2)eat the best of the land;

But if you refuse and rebel, You will be ^(C1)devoured by the sword." For ^(C2)the mouth of the LORD has spoken.