Hos 6:6 | TNotes | STEP | 6:6 In one of Hosea’s key verses, God names the most important qualities that should characterize the Israelites’ covenant lives with him. First, the Lord wants his people to show love more than he wants sacrifices . Love (Hebrew khesed ) includes faithfulness (see 4:1 ; 6:4 ). God is always faithful (Ps 136 ), and he requires the same of his people. Second, the Lord wants Israel to know him more than he wants burnt offerings . Knowing God is much more than simply knowing facts about God (see thematic note for Knowing God at end of chapter). An intimate personal relationship with God is characterized by complete trust and integrity. Sacrifice still had a proper place in Israelite religion, but only when it was offered by a people who truly knew and loved God (see Isa 1:10-17 ; Amos 5:21-24 ; Mic 6:6-8 ).

dPs 136►

eIsa 1:10-17►

fAmos 5:21-24►

gMic 6:6-8►

‏ Hosea 6:6

6:6 ^a In one of Hosea’s key verses, God names the most important qualities that should characterize the Israelites’ covenant lives with him. First, the Lord wants his people to show love more than he wants sacrifices. Love (Hebrew khesed) includes faithfulness (see 4:1 ^b; 6:4 ^c). God is always faithful (Ps 136 ^d), and he requires the same of his people. Second, the Lord wants Israel to know him more than he wants burnt offerings. Knowing God is much more than simply knowing facts about God (see thematic note for Knowing God at end of chapter). An intimate personal relationship with God is characterized by complete trust and integrity. Sacrifice still had a proper place in Israelite religion, but only when it was offered by a people who truly knew and loved God (see Isa 1:10-17 ^e; Amos 5:21-24 ^f; Mic 6:6-8 ^g).