Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Hating robbery for burnt offerings.] ¹Under a part he comprehends all the feigned services of God. And by burnt offering, is understood all sacrifices. There is nothing then more hateful, then that men should sacrifice their robberies and cozenages unto God: or, when they mingle their lies, hypocrisies, and filthinesses of heart therewith; or, in defrauding God maliciously of his right, do corrupt his pure worship.

Hating robberie for burnt offerings.] ¹Vnder a part he comprehends all the fained seruices of God. And by burnt offering, is vnderstood all sacrifices. There is nothing then more hatefull, then that men should sacrifice their robberies and cosenages vnto God: or, when they mingle their lies, hypocrisies, and filthinesses of heart therewith; or, in defrauding God maliciously of his right, doe corrupt his pure worship.

1. 1Whose service it is that God approves of.Whose seruice it is that God approues of.

But this is a vice not only practised of that age, but in all times. For every one will seem to serve God, and the wicked themselves will be ashamed to be without the appearance of devotion, in regard the sense and feeling of the divine nature is so engraven in the hearts of all men, that it cannot be raced out. But in the mean while, the most part of men do but trifle & dally with God, and labour to satisfy him with pretty gaudies and toys. Isaiah therefore condemns and detests such an hypocrisy; and teacheth that the Lord rather requires mercy of us, then sacrifices: Hos. 6.7. Mat. 9.13