A common misinterpretation is viewing this passage as a blanket rejection of all sacrifices, rituals, or organized worship, suggesting God desires only informal spirituality and despises any structured religious practice; in reality, God Himself instituted these offerings in the Law, but condemns their abuse when offered without repentance, ethical living, and devotion, as the context of Amos highlights Israel's failure to couple worship with justice and truth.
Amos 5:22
King James Version (1769)
22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.
God rejects Israel's ritualistic sacrifices and offerings because they are performed hypocritically alongside social injustices like oppression of the poor and corruption, emphasizing that true worship demands genuine righteousness, justice, mercy, and humility rather than empty ceremonies devoid of heartfelt obedience and moral integrity.