Misinterpretations often include viewing the passage as a total rejection of all structured worship or feasts, leading some to dismiss organized religion or Old Testament practices entirely, ignoring that God instituted these when offered sincerely; others mistakenly see it as God hating joy in worship, whereas the condemnation targets the corruption, idolatry, and social injustices accompanying Israel's observances, not the forms of worship when aligned with obedience.
Amos 5:21
King James Version (1769)
21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.
God rejects Israel's religious festivals and assemblies not because of the rituals themselves, but due to the people's hypocrisy, injustice, and lack of true devotion; the core truth is that superficial worship without righteousness, mercy, and obedience is worthless and offensive to Him, emphasizing that He prioritizes ethical living and genuine repentance over empty formalism.