The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination
That is, to the Lord, as in ( Proverbs
15:8 ) ; and as it is here added in the Septuagint and Arabic
versions; how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a
wicked mind?
the Arabic version is, "with a mind alien from the law"; or when
it is not brought according to law; when it is a corrupt thing,
that which is torn, lame, or sick, or robbery for burnt
sacrifice; when it is done with an evil intention, to cover sin,
to atone for without repenting of it or forsaking it; that they
may go on in sin with impunity, and be allowed to commit it; for
which cause Balak and Balsam offered sacrifices, which is the
instance Jarchi produces; and indeed every religious action not
done in faith, and love, and sincerity, and with a view to the
glory of God, but in hypocrisy and with selfish views, in order
to procure acceptance with God and justification in his sight;
setting aside the righteousness, sacrifice, and satisfaction of
the son of God, is done with a wicked mind, and is an abomination
to the Lord. Some render it, "even though he brings it
diligently", or "with great art and skill" F9; is
constant at his devotion, and carries it so artfully, and with
such a show of religion, as to deceive men, yet he cannot deceive
the Lord.