Hosea 5-7

“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6). As the leaders of northern Israel, and later Judah, realized that their rebellion had consequences, some of them wanted to sacrifice in the Temple to earn God’s approval. “Come, let us return to the Lord” (6:1). But the Lord saw that they had no intention of giving up their adultery, greed, and violence, and so He rejected their sacrifices and offerings. He wanted them to repent from the heart.

“When I would heal Israel ...” (7:1). God’s desire is to heal us and set us on the path of life, but first we must acknowledge our failures and how much we need Him.