to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else."
They took so much pride in being correct in their ways that they had no room in their hearts for others. If their own efforts, being supposedly so perfect, were of such value then how could they do anything but despise everyone else. That is why humility is more important than sacrifice.
"For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice,
and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
The externals not only don't help when our hearts aren't right, they can actually be a hinderance if they become a source of pride. Often he will let us come to grips with our own weakness, but only so he can save us.
"He will revive us after two days;
on the third day he will raise us up,
to live in his presence."
Let us ask him: "O God, be merciful to me a sinner" because "a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn." Once our offenses are wiped out and we've been washed of our guilt we can once again see the meaning that the externals were meant to have because "the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
"Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices,
burnt offerings and holocausts."
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