5 Don't forget the evil plansof King Balak of Moabor what Balaam son of Beorsaid to him.Remember how I, the Lord,saved you many timeson your way from Acaciato Gilgal.
6 What offering should I bringwhen I bow down to worshipthe Lord God Most High?Should I try to please himby sacrificingcalves a year old?
7 Will thousands of sheepor rivers of olive oilmake God satisfied with me?Should I sacrifice to the Lordmy firstborn child as paymentfor my terrible sins?
8 The Lord God has told uswhat is rightand what he demands:“See that justice is done,let mercy be your first concern,and humbly obey your God.”
9 I am the Lord,and it makes sense to respectmy power to punish.So listen to my messagefor the city of Jerusalem:
10 You store up stolen treasuresand use dishonest scales.
11 But I, the Lord, will punish youfor cheating with weightsand with measures.