Criticism of Temple sacrifice
Isaiah
- What do I care for the multitude of your sacrifices?
- says the LORD.
- I have had enough of whole-burnt rams
- and fat of fatlings;
- In the blood of calves, lambs, and goats
- I find no pleasure.
Psalms
Psalm 50
7 Listen, my people, I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you;
God, your God, am I.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, your burnt offerings are always before me.
9 I will not take a bullock from your house,
or he-goats from your folds.
10 For every animal of the forest is mine,
beasts by the thousands on my mountains.
11 I know every bird in the heights;
whatever moves in the wild is mine.
12 Were I hungry, I would not tell you,
for mine is the world and all that fills it.
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of he-goats?
14 Offer praise as your sacrifice to God;
fulfill your vows to the Most High.
15 Then call on me on the day of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor me.