Jeremiah 7:21-26 - Obedience Over Sacrifice

²¹ The Lord said to the people of Judah, "The Lord God of Israel who rules over all says: 'You might as well go ahead and add the meat of your burnt offerings to that of the other sacrifices and eat it, too! ²² Consider this: When I spoke to your ancestors after I brought them out of Egypt, I did not merely give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices. ²³ I also explicitly commanded them: "Obey me. If you do, I will be your God and you will be my people. Live exactly the way I tell you and things will go well with you." ²⁴ But they did not listen to me or pay any attention to me. They followed the stubborn inclinations of their own wicked hearts. They acted worse and worse instead of better. ²⁵ From the time your ancestors departed the land of Egypt until now, I sent my servants the prophets to you again and again, day after day. ²⁶ But your ancestors did not listen to me nor pay attention to me. They became obstinate and were more wicked than even their own forefathers.'"