8. I am not condemning you because of your sacrifices,or because of your burnt sacrifices that you continually offer me.
9. I do not need to take a bull from your householdor goats from your sheepfolds.
10. For every wild animal in the forest belongs to me,as well as the cattle that graze on a thousand hills.
11. I keep track of every bird in the hills,and the insects of the field are mine.
12. Even if I were hungry, I would not tell you,for the world and all it contains belong to me.
13. Do I eat the flesh of bulls?Do I drink the blood of goats?
14. Present to God a thank-offering!Repay your vows to the sovereign One!
15. Pray to me when you are in trouble!I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”
16. God says this to the evildoer:“How can you declare my commands,and talk about my covenant?
17. For you hate instructionand reject my words.