Isaiah 1:4-17

Oh sinful nation, people weighed down with iniquity,  brood of evildoers,  depraved children! They have abandoned  the  LORD; they have despised  the Holy One of Israel;  they have turned their backs on him. Why do you want more beatings? Why do you keep on rebelling? The whole head is hurt, and the whole heart is sick. From the sole of the foot even to the head,  no spot is uninjured   — wounds, welts, and festering sores not cleansed, bandaged, or soothed with oil. Your land is desolate, your cities burned down;  foreigners devour your fields right in front of you — a desolation, like a place demolished by foreigners. Daughter Zion  is abandoned like a shelter in a vineyard, like a shack in a cucumber field, like a besieged city. If the LORD of Armies  had not left us a few survivors,  we would be like Sodom, we would resemble Gomorrah.  Hear the word of the  LORD,  you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!  “What are all your sacrifices to me? ” asks the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.  When you come to appear before me, who requires this from you — this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing useless offerings.  Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths,  and the calling of solemn assemblies   — I cannot stand iniquity  with a festival. I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer,  I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen.  Your hands are covered with blood.  “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves.  Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil.  Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice.  Correct the oppressor.  Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.