God has done everything He can to get His people to repent, but they have not listened to Him. If anything, they have dug in deeper. They have become more religious. But offerings without repentance are offensive to God, making matters worse.

But there is a solution. They don't need to be totally destroyed. If they will listen and obey, God will be with them.

Here is the text for this section:

16 "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight.
Cease to do evil,

17 Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Reprove the ruthless;
Defend the orphan,
Plead for the widow.

18 "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD,
"Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.
19 "If you consent and obey,
You will eat the best of the land;

20 "But if you refuse and rebel,
You will be devoured by the sword."
Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

GOD'S SOLUTION - LET US REASON TOGETHER

• Wash yourselves
• Stop doing what is wrong


• Listen to God - Learn what is good
• Seek justice
• Help the orphans, the widows, the poor, and the helpless
• Stop allowing the bullies to exploit and hurt them

If you do these things, God will restore and protect you. But, if not, you will be destroyed by the wicked, pagan empires that will come against you. You will be like Israel, which was conquered and exiled.

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NOTE: How does this agree with New Testament teaching?

• Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13: 34-35)
• Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31; Heb. 13:1)
• This true and undefiled religion, to help widows and orphans in their distress. (James 1:27)
• Show hospitality to strangers (Heb. 13:2)
• Visit those in prison (Heb. 13:3)
• To the extent that you have done it to the least of these, you've done it to Jesus, and if you have not done it to the least, you have not done it to Jesus (Mat. 25: 40-45)

What does it mean to wash yourself clean? Obviously, it means much more than simply removing dirt or filth from the body. It is being receptive to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to wash over you, making you spiritually clean. It means submission to Him, as He does His work to deal with issues in your heart and mind. To correct wrong thinking and point out issues that you need to address. Maybe you are upset about something or someone. You need to give it to God. Maybe you need healing in that area. Or maybe you just need to spend time in His presence. The Bible says that we are changed into His image as we behold His glory.