God Rejects Empty Ritual

Psalms 50:7-15

“Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, and I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

I don’t rebuke you for your sacrifices. Your burnt offerings are continually before me.

I have no need for a bull from your stall, nor male goats from your pens.

For every animal of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills.

I know all the birds of the mountains. The wild animals of the field are mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”