Isaiah 1:15-23

Good News Translation

¹⁵ “When you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. ¹⁶ Wash yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil ¹⁷ and learn to do right. See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.”

¹⁸ The Lord says, “Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow.^[a] Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.^{[b] 19} If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces. ²⁰ But if you defy me, you are doomed to die. I, the Lord, have spoken.”

The Sinful City

²¹ The city that once was faithful is behaving like a whore! At one time it was filled with righteous people, but now only murderers remain. ²² Jerusalem, you were once like silver, but now you are worthless; you were like good wine, but now you are only water. ²³ Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case.