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I. THE PROPHET'S REPROOF. He is, in the name of God, taxing the people with ingratitude. There is no sin more hateful to God than the sin of ingratitude. Another charge is that of neglect. They offer a polluted sacrifice. All they want is a cheap religion. They are willing to make some offering, but not the best offering. They would be glad to do something for God, but it must cost them nothing.

II. THE THREAT. There should, in consequence, be the rejection of their prayers, the rejection of their persons, and the rejection of their services, and a transfer of their privileges to others.

III. PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. God's service is a real service, not a nominal service. Formality is not enough.

2. It is a sure sign of want of grace in your hearts, when God's service is a weariness.

3. Confidence in God is a necessary part of acceptable prayer and acceptable service.

(Montagu Villiers, M. A.)

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KJV: I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,

WEB: "I have loved you," says Yahweh. Yet you say, "How have you loved us?" "Wasn't Esau Jacob's brother?" says Yahweh, "Yet I loved Jacob;