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10 Hear Yahweh’s word, you rulers of Sodom!
    Listen to the law of our God,[a] you people of Gomorrah!
11 “What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?”, says Yahweh.
    “I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams
    and the fat of fed animals.
    I don’t delight in the blood of bulls,
    or of lambs,
    or of male goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
    who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts?
13 Bring no more vain offerings.
    Incense is an abomination to me.
    New moons, Sabbaths, and convocations:
    I can’t stand evil assemblies.
14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts.
    They are a burden to me.
    I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you.
    Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear.
    Your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash yourselves. Make yourself clean.
    Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.
    Cease to do evil.
17 Learn to do well.
    Seek justice.
    Relieve the oppressed.
Defend the fatherless.
    Plead for the widow.”

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Footnotes

  1. 1:10 The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim).

10 Listen to the Lord, you leaders of “Sodom.”
    Listen to the law of our God, people of “Gomorrah.”
11 “What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?”
    says the Lord.
“I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams
    and the fat of fattened cattle.
I get no pleasure from the blood
    of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to worship me,
    who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony?
13 Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts;
    the incense of your offerings disgusts me!
As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath
    and your special days for fasting—
they are all sinful and false.
    I want no more of your pious meetings.
14 I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals.
    They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them!
15 When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look.
    Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen,
    for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims.
16 Wash yourselves and be clean!
    Get your sins out of my sight.
    Give up your evil ways.
17 Learn to do good.
    Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
    Defend the cause of orphans.
    Fight for the rights of widows.

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