15
You might spread out your hands toward me when you pray. But I will not look at you. You might even offer many prayers. But I will not listen to them. Your hands are covered with the blood of the people you have murdered.
And when ye spread forth your hands That is, in prayer, this being a prayer gesture: hence the Targum paraphrases it,
``and when the priests spread out their hands to pray for you.''
I will hide mine eyes from you; will not look upon them, nor regard their prayer; see ( Lamentations 3:42 ) yea, when ye make many prayers; as the Scribes and Pharisees did in Christ's time, and thought to be heard for their much speaking, like the Gentiles, ( Matthew 6:7 ) I will not hear; so as to give an answer, or fulfil their requests: the reason follows, your hands are full of blood; of the prophets of the Lord, of Christ and his followers, whom they put to death.
13
Stop bringing offerings that do not mean anything to me! I hate your incense. I can't stand your evil gatherings. I can't stand the way you celebrate your New Moon Feasts, Sabbath days and special services.
14
I hate your New Moon Feasts and your other appointed feasts. They have become a heavy load to me. I am tired of carrying it.
15
You might spread out your hands toward me when you pray. But I will not look at you. You might even offer many prayers. But I will not listen to them. Your hands are covered with the blood of the people you have murdered.
16
So wash your hands. Make yourselves clean. Get your evil actions out of my sight! Stop doing what is wrong!
17
Learn to do what is right! Treat people fairly. Give hope to those who are beaten down. Cheer them up. Stand up in court for children whose fathers have died. And do the same thing for widows.