Firstly, what he hates the most is VAIN WORSHIP (vv. 13-15)!

Israel was guilty of gross "idolatry and ungodly ways" as a sinful nation who broke their covenant with God (Deu 5:6-22; Isa 1:3-4).

They made abominable offerings to graven images, incenses, various feasts and gatherings.

Isaiah also wrote of God's long-patience, loving kindness, unfailing and tender MERCY towards his erring people.

God labeled them a "brood" of evil-doers, depraved children and a people "weighed down" with iniquity.

He described them as being "sick from the soles of their feet to the tops of their head" and "infested with wounds, bruises and putrefying (smelly and decomposing) sores".

He likened them to the depraved people of "Sodom and Gomorrah", and pronounced his stern "judgement" upon them.

Secondly, God wants all men to be SAVED and KNOW the truth (1Tim 2:4)!

Are those Israelites any different from us today?

Despite our sins, God continues to offer us complete "forgiveness and restoration" if we will simply "return" to him, "renounce" our wicked ways, and be "united" with Christ (Mtt 28:18-20; Mrk 16:15-16; Act 2:36-38; Rom 6:3-11).

Today, God entreats us through "faith" in Christ to WASH our sins away as he said, “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" (v. 18).

His begotten Son is the ONLY one appointed by God to make this transformation in us (Mtt 1:21; Jno 1:17; 1Tim 1:15; Act 4:12).

Apostle John wrote that Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by him" (Jno 14:6). Do we still doubt him as Son of God and Saviour? Then trust and obey Christ! (This short Bible exposition is a personal commentary subject to deeper study and knowledge of God's words!) DGS