God desires mercy, not sacrifice

"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." Hosea 6:6 Hosea was a prophet sent of God to the true church in the northern kingdom at a time of great apostasy. The book of Hosea teaches the greatness of God's faithfulness in light of the grievous sins of His spiritual wife. The verses preceding our text describe God's chas­tisement. God's chastisement had the purpose of call­ing His people away from a sinful walk in the way of repentance. The...