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
Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and the calling of assemblies--I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
14
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me, I am weary of bearing them.
15
When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
16
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil,
17
learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.