Isaiah 1:15

15 So when you stretch out your hands [in prayer], I will turn my eyes away from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are covered with blood.

Isaiah 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands
That is, in prayer, this being a prayer gesture: hence the Targum paraphrases it,

``and when the priests spread out their hands to pray for you.''

I will hide mine eyes from you;
will not look upon them, nor regard their prayer; see ( Lamentations 3:42 ) yea, when ye make many prayers;
as the Scribes and Pharisees did in Christ's time, and thought to be heard for their much speaking, like the Gentiles, ( Matthew 6:7 ) I will not hear;
so as to give an answer, or fulfil their requests: the reason follows, your hands are full of blood;
of the prophets of the Lord, of Christ and his followers, whom they put to death.

Isaiah 1:15 In-Context

13 Don't bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me, so are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I can't stand your evil assemblies.

14 I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They've become a burden to me, and I'm tired of putting up with them.

15 So when you stretch out your hands [in prayer], I will turn my eyes away from you. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen because your hands are covered with blood.

16 "Wash yourselves! Become clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight. Stop doing evil.

17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Arrest oppressors. Defend orphans. Plead the case of widows."