Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. (Isaiah 1:13)
The words “it is” are not in the Hebrew. The latter part of v. 13 would preferably read, “I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn meeting.” The thought is that the solemn services of religion, when accompanied by a life of iniquity, are an offense to the Lord. At the time of Isaiah the Hebrews were “long” on the forms of religion but “short” on righteousness. Many who strictly observed the formal requirements of the ceremonial law openly violated the solemn commands of the law of God. Their course was a mockery of religion and a disgrace in the sight of God.
New moons and sabbaths.
The sacred days here mentioned are coupled in such references as 2 Kings 4:23; 2 Chron. 8:13; Amos 8:5. It was an essential part of Hebrew religion to observe these sacred days. They had been appointed by the Lord Himself, and it was He who had required Israel to observe them (Ex. 23:12-17; Lev. 23; Num. 28; 29; Deut. 16:1-17). But the outward observance of these forms of religion was not enough. Ritual and ceremony are without meaning when righteousness is lacking. God made it clear that the formal observance of the sacred days He Himself had commanded was offensive when obedience was lacking.
An abomination.
Instead of being delighted with the offering of sweet incense before Him the Lord was highly displeased. The formalities of religion mean nothing when its true spirit is lacking. God has made it clear that where obedience is lacking, even prayer is an abomination to Him (Prov. 28:9).