For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. For I desireThe Hebrew word for "desire" is "חָפֵץ" (chaphets), which conveys a deep longing or delight. This word indicates God's heartfelt preference and priority. In the context of Hosea, God is expressing His true intentions for His people, emphasizing that His desires are not merely ritualistic but relational. This sets the tone for understanding God's heart throughout the scriptures, where He consistently seeks a genuine relationship with His people over mere external compliance. mercy
The Hebrew term here is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "steadfast love." This word is rich with meaning, encompassing loyalty, faithfulness, and covenantal love. In the historical context of Israel, God is calling His people to reflect His own character of mercy and compassion. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God values the heart's posture over ritualistic observance. Jesus Himself reiterates this in the New Testament, highlighting the timeless nature of this divine principle. not sacrifice
The word "sacrifice" refers to the ritual offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word "זֶבַח" (zevach) is used here, which denotes the act of offering something valuable to God. However, God is making a profound statement that ritual sacrifices, while important, are not the ultimate goal. This reflects a deeper theological truth that God values the heart's intention and moral integrity over mere ceremonial acts. It challenges believers to examine their own practices and ensure that their worship is genuine and heartfelt. and the knowledge of God
The phrase "knowledge of God" uses the Hebrew word "דַּעַת" (da'ath), which implies an intimate, experiential understanding rather than mere intellectual assent. This knowledge is relational, akin to the deep knowing found in a covenant relationship. In Hosea's time, Israel's lack of true knowledge of God led to their spiritual downfall. This highlights the importance of pursuing a personal and transformative relationship with God, which is foundational to the Christian faith. rather than burnt offerings
"Burnt offerings" refers to "עוֹלָה" (olah), a type of sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to God. However, God is emphasizing that even such complete offerings are secondary to knowing Him. This underscores the prophetic message that external religious acts are meaningless without a heart aligned with God's will. It serves as a reminder that true worship is not about the quantity of our offerings but the quality of our relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC. His ministry focused on calling Israel back to faithfulness to God amidst widespread idolatry and social injustice. 2. IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, often depicted in Hosea as unfaithful to God, akin to an adulterous spouse. The nation is called to repentance and genuine relationship with God. 3. God (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who desires a relationship with His people characterized by mercy and knowledge rather than mere ritualistic practices. 4. Sacrifices and Burnt OfferingsRitual practices commanded in the Law of Moses, which had become empty religious formalities for the Israelites, lacking the heart of true worship. 5. Mercy (Hebrew: ?????, "chesed")A key term in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "loving-kindness" or "steadfast love," indicating a deep, covenantal loyalty and compassion. Teaching Points Heart Over RitualGod values the heart's posture over mere external religious practices. True worship involves a heart aligned with God's values of mercy and knowledge. Understanding 'Chesed'The Hebrew word "chesed" encompasses mercy, love, and faithfulness. Our relationship with God should reflect these attributes, extending them to others. Knowledge of GodKnowing God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it involves an intimate, relational knowledge that transforms our lives and actions. Repentance and ReturnHosea calls for genuine repentance, turning away from empty rituals to a vibrant, living relationship with God. Living Out MercyAs believers, we are called to embody God's mercy in our interactions, prioritizing compassion and love over legalistic adherence to rituals. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hosea 6:6 challenge our understanding of worship and religious practices today? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper "knowledge of God" in our daily lives? 3. How can the concept of "chesed" (mercy, loving-kindness) be practically applied in our relationships with others? 4. Reflect on a time when you prioritized ritual over relationship with God. What steps can you take to realign your focus? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 9:13 and 12:7 reinforce the message of Hosea 6:6, and how can this shape our approach to living out our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15:22Samuel emphasizes that obedience to God is more important than sacrifices, paralleling Hosea's message about the heart behind worship. Micah 6:6-8Micah echoes the theme that God desires justice, mercy, and humility over ritual offerings. Matthew 9:13 and 12:7 Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, emphasizing mercy over sacrifice, highlighting the continuity of this principle in the New Testament. Psalm 51:16-17David acknowledges that God desires a contrite heart over sacrifices, aligning with Hosea's message. People Adam, Haggai, HoseaPlaces Assyria, Gilead, ShechemTopics Acknowledgment, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offerings, Delight, Desire, Desired, Goodness, Kindness, Love, Loving-kindness, Loyalty, Mercy, Offerings, Rather, Sacrifice, SteadfastDictionary of Bible Themes Hosea 6:6 2027 Christ, grace and mercy
2333 Christ, attitude to OT
5037 mind, of Christ
5361 justice, human
5381 law, letter and spirit
5832 desire
5895 intimacy
6027 sin, remedy for
6672 grace, in relationships
7316 blood, OT sacrifices
7322 burnt offering
8245 ethics, incentives
8315 orthodoxy, in OT
8628 worship, hindrances
8774 legalism
8784 nominal religion Hosea 6:6-7 8840 unfaithfulness, to God Library Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
Three things I must do this morning; first, I must deal a blow, at the old Tempter, who has got the first hand at you; secondly, I will come to reason comfortably with you; and then, thirdly, I must lovingly persuade you, saying--"Come, let us return unto the Lord." I. First then, I must DEAL A BLOW AT THE OLD TEMPTER, WHO HAS GOT BEFORE ME AND HAS BEGUN TO DECEIVE YOU. I cannot tell what is the precise temptation that Satan has been using with you, but I think it is very likely to be one of four. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Limitations of Earth's Great Week.
We are well aware that in broaching this point we shall probably evoke the criticism of honored brethren and be charged with "setting a date" for the Return of our Lord. Nevertheless, we feel constrained to set down our honest convictions, only asking our readers to examine in the light of Holy Writ what we now advance tentatively and not dogmatically. In ancient times it was commonly held by Jewish rabbis before our Lord's first advent, and by many of the most eminent of the church fathers afterwards, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
The stay in Cana, though we have no means of determining its length, was probably of only short duration. Perhaps the Sabbath of the same week already found Jesus in the Synagogue of Nazareth. We will not seek irreverently to lift the veil of sacred silence, which here, as elsewhere, the Gospel-narratives have laid over the Sanctuary of His inner Life. That silence is itself theopneustic, of Divine breathing and inspiration; it is more eloquent than any eloquence, a guarantee of the truthfulness …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah St Gregory the Great (Ad 540-604)
PART I Gregory was born at Rome, of a noble and wealthy family, in the year 540. In his youth he engaged in public business, and he rose to be proctor of Rome, which was one of the chief offices under the government. In this office he was much beloved and respected by the people. But about the age of thirty-five, a great change took place in his life. He resolved to forsake the pursuit of worldly honours, and spent all his wealth in founding seven monasteries. He gave up his family house at Rome …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them, …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan The Coming Revival
"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?"--PS. lxxxv. 6. "O Lord, revive Thy work in the midst of the years."--HAB. iii. 2. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me: Thy right hand shall save me."--PS. cxxxviii. 7. "I dwell with him that is of a humble and contrite heart, to revive the heart of the contrite ones."--ISA. lvii. 15. "Come, and let us return to the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us. He will revive us."--HOS. vi. 1, 2. The Coming …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
(Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 22-35. ^c 22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. [This verse probably refers back to verse 10, and indicates that Jesus resumed his journey after the brief rest on the Sabbath day when he healed the woman with the curvature of the spine.] 23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? [It is likely that this question was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the smallness of the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished; …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it Produces in Men's Apprehensions.
2 COR. v. 17. 2 COR. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. THE knowledge of our true state in religion, is at once a matter of so great importance, and so great difficulty that, in order to obtain it, it is necessary we should have line upon line and precept upon precept. The plain discourse, which you before heard, was intended to lead you into it; and I question not but I then said enough to convince many, that they were …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration Job's Faith and Expectation
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. C hristianity, that is, the religion of which MESSIAH is the author and object, the foundation, life, and glory, though not altogether as old as creation, is nearly so. It is coeval [contemporary] with the first promise and intimation of mercy given to fallen man. When Adam, by transgression, had violated the order and law of …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Hosea
The book of Hosea divides naturally into two parts: i.-iii. and iv.-xiv., the former relatively clear and connected, the latter unusually disjointed and obscure. The difference is so unmistakable that i.-iii. have usually been assigned to the period before the death of Jeroboam II, and iv.-xiv. to the anarchic period which succeeded. Certainly Hosea's prophetic career began before the end of Jeroboam's reign, as he predicts the fall of the reigning dynasty, i. 4, which practically ended with Jeroboam's …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Hosea 6:6 NIVHosea 6:6 NLTHosea 6:6 ESVHosea 6:6 NASBHosea 6:6 KJV
Hosea 6:6 Commentaries
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