Isaiah 1:10-16 Exposition

According to Falwell, verse ten addresses the people of Judah as if they were the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Isaiah goes on to criticize their hypocritical use of the Law. The word “sacrifices” (zebach) in verse eleven referred to animals offered for the payment of sins. The “burnt offerings” referred to the ascension offerings that rose into God’s presence, and were totally given over to God. The Jews were failing in this because they were only outwardly bringing offerings to God. Their hearts were still turned away from God. The “meaningless offerings” spoken of in verse thirteen meant offerings that had no worth or value. God even thought of their religious meetings as evil because their hearts were not right before God. The “appointed feasts” found in verse fourteen are likely referring to the Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Their prayers will not be listened to because they will not repent. In verse sixteen, the Jews are admonished to “make themselves clean” and to take their evil deeds out of God’s sight and to “stop doing wrong. God is not pleased anyone’s religious practices unless their heart is right. God will not be pleased if I go through modern rituals such as of going to church, giving offerings, sacrificing for God, and praying only to look religious. Acting like I am a Christian when my heart does not belong to the Lord is hypocrisy. Religious practices should come from my love for God rather than from a habitual ritual that I feel compelled to perform.