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Hosea 6 · Grade 5

Mercy, Not Sacrifice

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Read and Think

Hosea 6 opens with what sounds like a prayer of return. Come! Let's return to Yahweh; for he has torn us to pieces, and he will heal us; he has injured us, and he will bind up our wounds. The people believed God's discipline had a purpose. Let's press on to know Yahweh. As surely as the sun rises, Yahweh will appear.

But God answers with sorrow. 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. Their words of return were real for a moment, but their love faded quickly. They, like Adam, have broken the covenant.

God names what He wants: For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. In the New Testament, Jesus quotes this verse: But you go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13). God has always wanted hearts that love Him and show mercy to others.

Show What You Know

  1. What did the people believe about God's discipline?

  2. What did they say was as sure as the sunrise?

  3. What was Israel's love like?

  4. What have they broken, like Adam?

  5. In the New Testament, who did Jesus say He came to call?

Crossword

3421

Across

  1. For I desire ____, and not sacrifice
  2. On the ____ day he will raise us up

Down

  1. He will come to us like the ____
  2. like the ____ that disappears early

Think About It

  1. God wants the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. How can your worship be about knowing God, not just doing things for Him?

  2. In the New Testament, Jesus called sinners to repentance. How does this give hope to someone who has failed?

Memory Verse

“For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

Hosea 6:6 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for coming to us like the rain. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • The people expected God to restore them quickly but did not change. Where do you want God's help but resist changing?
  • How can you show mercy this week?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.