Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 66:3

3 He that killeth an ox , is as if he slew a man: he that sacrificeth a lamb , as if he cut off a dogs neck : he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swines blood: he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol : yea, they have chosen their own ways ▪ and their soul delighteth in their abominations ▪

Solomon, Prov. 15. 8. gives us a short, but full commentary on this whole verse; The Sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord. He that kill[illegible: 1+ letters] an ox, that is, for Sacrifice, as it is expounded by the next words, He that sacrificeth a Lamb.

The comparison shew[illegible: 1+ letters]th God's detestation of ceremonial performances from men of wicked hearts and lives.

From hence it is plain, that the Prophet is not here reflecting upon Idolatrous Worship, but Formal Worship: for to say, He that burneth Incense to an Idol, is as he that blesseth an Idol, is but to say, he that blesseth an Idol, blesseth an Idol; but upon those who in a formality worshipped the true God, and by acts which he had appointed, such were offering Sacrifices, Oblation, Incense. God by the Prophet declares, that these mens Services were no more acceptable to him then Murther, Idolatry, or the most horrid prophanation of his name such would, cutting off a dogs neck for Sacrifice, have been, or offering Swines blood so little do ritual performances, though instituted by God himself, please God when they are but meer formalities, as they alwaies are,

When those that perform them, live as they list, leud, and loose lives, and think to save themselves by their prayers, like the Whore, Prov. 7. 14, 15.

Not only [illegible: 1 word] by humane frailty, but taking pleasure in their sins, Prov. 15. 26. to offer a Sacrifice with an heart resolved (when it is offered) to go on in sinful courses, is to offer it with an evil mind. This is a dreadful text to persons who will murder, and steal, and swear▪ and c[illegible: 1+ letters]rse, and lie, and commit Adultery, and then come and stand before God in his house, which is called by his name, that is, come to serve him in acts of Worship, Levit. 10. 3. See Psal. 50. 16, 17, 18. Isaiah 1. 11, 12, 13, 14. Ier. 7. 9, 10. Mat. 7▪ 21, 22, 23. Iohn 4. 24. 1 Tim. 4. 8.

Marginal references: Or kid.; Deut. 23. 18.; Heb. makes a memorial of.