Definition: To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 1:11. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage that speaks about God’s perspective on sacrifices. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is saying, “I’m incredibly disappointed with how much you’re putting into your offerings – the sacrifices you make.” He’s not happy with the sheer amount of animals being sacrificed, and he doesn’t enjoy the blood of any of them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?” - This is a question from God to humanity. He’s asking why you’re dedicating so much time and resources (sacrifices) to these offerings. “Saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.” - This is where it gets a little more nuanced. Let’s break down what each part means: “Burnt offerings of rams”: This refers to the massive sacrificial animals offered – often lambs – during rituals. The word "rams" implies a significant offering and a focus on sacrifice. “Fat of fed beasts”: This suggests that you’re putting a lot of effort into preparing these sacrifices, perhaps spending a lot of time and money. It's not just about the animals themselves, but the effort put into them. “I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.” - This is the crucial part. God doesn’t find joy or pleasure in the bloodshed of any animal – especially not the blood of a ram or lamb (which are considered holy animals). He finds it to be a wasteful and disrespectful act. What does this verse mean, overall? It’s essentially a warning about the potential for things to go wrong if you're obsessed with rituals and sacrifices without a deeper understanding of what truly matters. God is emphasizing that true worship isn’t about what you offer, but who you offer it to – and that offering shouldn’t involve violence or disrespect towards His creation. It also suggests a shift in focus from purely symbolic acts to genuine relationship with God. In short: God is concerned that your dedication to sacrifices is excessive and perhaps misguided. He wants you to prioritize loving Him and worshipping Him through right actions – not through empty rituals. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?