He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.
Someone who kills an ox for sacrifice is like someone who murders a person; someone who sacrifices a lamb is like someone who kills a dog; someone who brings a grain offering is like someone who offers pig's blood; someone who burns incense is like someone who worships an idol. Yes, they have chosen to go their own way, and they take pleasure in the things God hates.
God is saying that religious rituals without a sincere heart are as disgusting to Him as the most forbidden acts, because people are just going through the motions while their hearts are far from Him.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the final chapter of Isaiah, likely written after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile around 538 BC. The people had rebuilt the temple and resumed their sacrificial system, but many were performing these religious duties without genuine devotion to God. Isaiah is contrasting proper worship with empty ritualism that God finds repulsive.
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