What does it mean that justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream?
Sacrifices and other elements of worship are rejected because they were not complimented with proper living in general. A society truly in harmony with the Lord’s will must practice justice and righteousness. Canaanite religion may have allowed people to be immoral and at peace with the gods, but the Lord is holy and good; he does not allow his people to do the same.1 For the people of Israel, justice would mean reparation for the defrauded, fairness for the less fortunate, and dignity and compassion for the needy. Righteousness would entail attitudes of mercy and generosity, and honest dealings that imitate the character of God as revealed in the law of Moses.2
24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.