This is the book that Isaiah wrote about the visions he received from God during the reigns of the following Kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, and Hezekiah.
God was angry with Israel because some people had turned from Him and were worshiping idols. Others were not walking in obedience to God’s Commandments. However, they were still conducting ritual sacrifices and going through the rituals of worshiping God. They were ‘worshiping God in vain.’ Their hearts were not right.
Through Isaiah, God said that he hated their rituals and sacrifices, because the people were not truly worshiping God. They were just going through the motions. God also said that He refused to hear their prayers.
This situation not only existed in Israel; it exists today in religion. It is most evident in those religions that have a ritualistic structure. Many many people go to church out of habit. They go through rituals, thinking the rituals will put them in good standing with God. They mouth prayers and go through ritualistic motions, thinking these have religious value. However, rituals have no value when hearts are not right before God.
The Bible says that God desires those who worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, not in ritualistic motions. The Word of God, the Bible, is Truth. The Bible says that God wants his people to worship Him in accordance to His Word. God wants people who truly love Him. The only evidence of that love is obeying Him.
