1:12,13
The priests were “trampling God’s courts”, ie they were unwelcome visitors, invaders. Verse 13 again lists things that were actually required by the Law. Part of the ritual was the offering of incense (Ex 30:34-38), in fact there is a whole chapter (Ex 34) on the matter. And Sabbaths were, of course, part of the Law, even being mentioned in the ten commandments. So why is God objecting to them here? It is because they have become tainted by the sin of the people, they have been seen as a substitute for righteousness, as the following verses will explain. We can all do the same sort of thing, doing some perfectly good religious practice (reading the Bible, praying, helping the poor, etc) as a cover up for sinful behaviour.
1:14
Far from gaining them favour with God, the practice of the Israelites was wearisome to God, He was fed up with them! Even to the point of hating their practises. So often we think that God ought to be pleased with us, grateful than we have given Him a little time or attention. Our thinking is deeply skewed if we think this.
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