I desire
mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6
“Ephraim, what shall I do to you?
Judah, what shall I do to you?
For your love is like a morning cloud,
and like the dew that disappears early.
Hosea 6 [5.] Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets;
I killed them with the words of my mouth.
Your judgments are like a flash of lightning.
For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
But they, like Adam, have broken the covenant.
They were unfaithful to me, there.
Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity;
it is stained with blood.
As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man,
so the company of priests murder on the path toward Shechem,
committing shameful crimes.
Meaning:
- Prioritizing Mercy Over Sacrifice:
Divine Desire: The opening declaration, "For I desire mercy," reveals a divine longing within the heart of God. This desire transcends ritualistic sacrifices and points to a yearning for genuine, compassionate acts that reflect the character of God.
Prophetic Challenge: Hosea, speaking on behalf of God, challenges the prevalent religious practices of the time. He goes on, in verse 9, to describe the use of religion to exploit others as an "ambush" and a "shameful crime." The emphasis is not on the external acts of sacrifice but on the internal transformation that leads to merciful actions toward those we meet in our daily lives.
- The Knowledge of God:
Beyond Rituals: The verse emphasizes the priority of "the knowledge of God" over burnt offerings. It suggests that a profound understanding of God's character, His love, and His ways is more valuable than the external rituals often performed without true compassion.
Intimacy and Relationship: The knowledge of God implies a deep, intimate relationship with the divine. It goes beyond mere awareness to a personal encounter that shapes one's attitudes, values, and actions. To become someone who wants to be kind to others in the same way the the LORD is kind towards us.
- Redemptive Context:
Call to Return: Hosea addresses a people who have strayed from God, calling them to return to a relationship based on mercy and genuine knowledge of God. The verse is embedded in the larger context of Hosea's message, which reflects the theme of God's redemptive love and the call to repentance.
Transformation and Healing: The call to mercy and knowledge of God is not just a critique of religious practices but an invitation to transformation and healing. God desires a people whose hearts are aligned with His own, reflecting His mercy in their interactions with others.
Practical Application:
Authentic Worship: Hosea 6:6 challenges believers to embrace a form of worship that goes beyond external religious practices. It encourages the pursuit of authentic, heart-transforming worship expressed through genuine mercy and kindness to those around us, that reflects God's own mercy, in our daily interactions.
Relational Knowledge: The emphasis on the knowledge of God prompts believers to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God. It involves a continuous seeking and understanding of His character, leading to a life shaped by His love and mercy.
Cross-References:
Micah 6:6-8: "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This passage from Micah aligns with the sentiments of Hosea 6:6, emphasizing the importance of justice, kindness, and humility over ritualistic offerings.
Matthew 9:13: "Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 in response to questions about his association with tax collectors and sinners. He reaffirms the enduring significance of mercy over religious rituals.
In conclusion, Hosea 6:6 stands as a timeless call to authentic worship and a profound understanding of God's desires. It challenges believers to prioritize mercy and a deep knowledge of God over external rituals, fostering a transformative relationship with the divine.
conscience - divorce - judgement - sensualism
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible