Empty worship doesn't please God

Israel's agricultural and seasonal festivals had long been observed in their history. Celebrations of thanksgiving and feasts for God's bounty in harvest, for remembering His past acts, and for expressing joy were held in the spring, early summer, and autumn. There were four main types of sacrifices and offerings: burnt offerings (Leviticus 1); grain offerings (Leviticus 2); peace (fellowship) offerings (Leviticus 3); and sin or guilt offerings (Leviticus 4,5,7). A special sacrifice was offered on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

The Old Testament tithe was a tenth of one's accumulated wealth which consisted of the produce of the land and livestock. The tithes and offerings pleased God only when they were given by a righteous and obedient heart.

Is God exalted, if not, the Lord may despise your offering (Matt. 7:22-23). In Amos chapters four and five, God rebuked Israel for observing festivals designed to honor Him; but were a display of pride and idolatry. Israel had polluted Gilgal, a place that was set aside as holy. Joshua had erected stones at Gilgal as a memorial for when Israel crossed the Jordan River. Yet, the people had no remembrance of God. Worship must be pure.