Why does God say, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice”? - Sacrifice - TouchPoints

Isaiah 1:11-13“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. . . . 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.”

Amos 5:21-24“I hate all your show and pretense—the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”

Making sacrifices was an important part of worship for the Israelites. But when their worship became mere ritual without sincerity, it was worthless in God’s eyes. Sacrifices can be obvious external actions, but meaningless if they are devoid of honest and heartfelt repentance. God desires sincerity in both our intentions and our actions.