Present the Old Testament

The reading begins with condemnation of Israel’s worship, which while outwardly conventional ignores an oppressive injustice.

Before beginning the reading, draw attention to the weight of the prophet’s words with several strikes of a cymbal or gong. Add further strikes before verses 11 and verse 12, and introduce a long pause after 'who asked this from your hand?’ (v.12a). The reader could look around at the congregation as if waiting for a response. If you can, you could sustain a shimmering sound from the cymbal or gong as the reading continues, with a further pause and strike before verse 16, which is where the tone changes from condemnation to corrective instruction.