Too often God’s people continued to worship God while blatantly transgressing God’s commandments. Think of what we read in Isaiah 1:13–15 where the Lord expressed his rejection of worship offered by those who have the blood of innocent victims upon their hands (Isaiah 58:3). Or think about the disobedience of King Saul, who offered a sacrifice while blatantly transgressing God’s command (also Jeremiah 6:20, Jeremiah 14:12). Undoubtedly, these transgressors thought that as long as they worshipped God, he would look favourably upon them, disregarding their sin. But Samuel said to King Saul, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Worship offered by those who live in disobedience is abhorrent to God (Proverbs 15:8, Proverbs 21:27).
12 May the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the LORD of hosts!