The people of Judah have tried to compensate for their refusal to walk
in the ways of the covenant (Jeremiah 6:16) by continuing to offer sacrifices in the temple as required by the covenant. But the Lord rejects this empty religious ritual. The people may bring sacrifices of great value such as frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land
but these mean nothing to the Lord. Their sacrifices are not acceptable or pleasing to him. The Lord is not rejecting the whole sacrificial system which was so integral to the covenant. He is, however, rejecting ritual that is divorced from a heartfelt attitude of obedience and faith. Such ritual is worthless in his sight.1
20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.