The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing rites of its religious services, had been a source of pride to Israel before their captivity; but their worship had ofttimes been lacking in those qualities which God regards as most essential. The glory of the first temple, the splendor of its service, could not recommend them to God; for that which is alone of value in His sight, they did not offer. They did not bring Him the sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit.

Før landflygtigheden var det første tempels overvældende herlighed og tempeltjenestens imponerende ritualer Israels stolthed, men deres gudstjeneste havde ofte manglet det, som Gud anser for det vigtigste. Det første tempels herlighed og den pragtfulde tempeltjeneste skaffede dem ikke Guds yndest, fordi de ikke frembar det, som har størst værdi i Guds øjne. De bragte ham ikke en ydmyg sønderknust ånd som offer.