For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Hosea was one of many prophets that warned the nation of Israel against unfaithfulness to the God of their fathers. He cried out for repentance from the priests and people alike, and called for the entire royal household to turn from their wicked ways, repent of their sins, and return to serving the Lord their God in spirit and truth. Offerings and sacrifices that are simply following an established routine are unacceptable to the Lord, Who desires that His people serve Him out of devotion, obedience, and love. Adherence to rules and regulations, an unconscious attitude towards worship and religious ordinances, and the meaningless repetition of prayers are futile; and the Lord will not accept such hypocritical behavior. The Lord is not interested in empty words, shallow worship, frigid feelings, superficial service, or legalistic rituals. He desires truth in the inward parts and a heart that is obedient to His Word. He longs for a people who are genuine, faithful, merciful, and who desire to carry out His will in their lives. Our Heavenly Father and gracious Savior desires loyalty and not sacrifice. He longs that we come to a deeper knowledge of Himself, rather than engaging in the outward ritual of burnt sacrifices. The NIV and KJV translate the beginning of this verse as “For I desire mercy.” But, how can we show mercy to God? Are not we the very people who need to receive mercy from God? The key to understanding this comes from consulting other translations. The ESV uses “steadfast love”; the HCSB uses “loyalty”. Mercy probably isn’t the best translation. The sort of love God requires is loyalty, not a mere flicker of interest when troubles come. May we be those that seek to honor Him with our loyalty and steadfast love to the depths of our being, in word and deed…in thought and in motive.
Spiritual Steve 