Amos 5:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These various forms of sacrifice differ in their significance and timing; the burnt offering is distinct while the offering made for salvation represents coming before God to present oneself. However, for the Jews who are immersed in profound wickedness, it is fitting that they engage in such practices. In contrast, God accepts with favor the offerings made by believers: spiritual burnt offerings and participation in holy festivals. This is because we do not present ourselves with an unpleasant aroma but instead offer Him who dwells within us through the Spirit—namely, Christ.

It is only natural for heretics devoid of faith to differ from true believers. We, as Christ's fragrance, are a pleasing aroma to God (2 Cor. 2:15), while their scent is akin to that of Beelzebub. This holds true especially since no one can call Jesus anathema (1 Cor. 12:3) except it be in relation to Beelzebub. These unfortunate souls, who perpetually speak blasphemies and slanders against the glory of the Only Begotten, harbor hearts filled not with spiritual sweetness, but with an unpleasant odor.

Their offerings do not bring a pleasing fragrance to Him; all their gifts are rejected, and He does not regard their fattened sacrifices. This warning extends beyond that historical context and applies to us today if we commit similar transgressions, thinking that presenting to God what we have gained through dishonesty, false promises, and wrongdoing can atone for our sins. We learn from the account of Zacchaeus, who repaid fourfold for his theft and generously shared half of his legitimately acquired possessions (Luke 19:8). He recognized that he could not offer gifts to God sourced from ill-gotten gains until he had fulfilled the words of Scripture, “Honour the Lord from thy righteous labours” (Proverbs 3:9) and “The deliverance of the husbandman of his soul is his wealth” (Proverbs 13:8).

God does not welcome vows funded by immoral earnings, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:18. Conversely, the righteous may earnestly pray, “Let my prayer be made good, as a censer before Thee” (Psalm 140:2). Judas the betrayer's prayer was regarded as sinful (Psalm 108:7) because it lacked sincerity, evidenced by his actions which declared, “My wounds are dead and bent from the face of my folly” (Psalm 37:7).

This analysis also applies to heretics, who, while fleeing from danger, fall into other perilous situations, seeking refuge in a place they mistakenly think is the church of God. They rely upon the structures they have created and are ultimately harmed by deception; darkness envelops them, obscuring their understanding until their firstborn faces demise. God detests and dismisses their offerings, and whenever they assemble in His name, He turns away from the repugnant odor. It is said that He “hates, rejects” and “smells it not” in human terms for us to grasp how God relates to humanity. No matter how much they seem to offer—whether burnt offerings, fasting, almsgiving, or promises of purity—God will not receive these sacrifices, nor will He honor them with His presence. His focus is not on the volume of sacrifices but rather on the sincerity and intentions of those giving. Thus, the widow who contributed two small coins to the treasury (Luke 21:1-4) is exalted by the Savior above those who gave substantial amounts from their excess, for she donated all that she possessed.

These reflections resonate even more clearly with the Jews following Christ’s coming, who, despite the temple and altar’s destruction, believe they are still offering meaningful sacrifices. God rejects their feasts and is inattentive to the scent of their sacrifices during assemblies when they loudly call, “Crucify, crucify Him” (John 19:6) and declare, “His blood be upon us and upon our children” (Matthew 27:25). Even if they offer burnt offerings in synagogues and gifts in the assemblies of evil, the Lord will not regard these acts, as He did not look upon Cain’s offerings (Genesis 4:4-5). Although they may worship the one true God and perform the rituals appropriately, He does not acknowledge them due to their lack of faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, God observes the offerings of the Church, which we present from our rightful beginnings, just as He once accepted Abel’s sacrifice.

Even those who bring offerings for their own deliverance will not be acknowledged by Me, says the Lord, with My presence. Hence, you should abandon your songs and the use of musical instruments, for these do not bring Me joy; I originally instituted them solely to elevate you through delightful means.