For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6. “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Matthew 9:13.

In reading 2 Samuel 21, the note below said: The next four chapters are an appendix to the book. The events are not presented in chronological order. They tell of David’s exploits at various times during his reign.

It begins with a famine in Israel for 3 successive years and ending with the sacrifice of 7 of Saul’s male descendants to appease the wrong done to the Gibeonites by Saul who had been promised protection by Israel (Joshua 9:16-20). When I don’t understand Scripture I do what our pastor teaches. Trust what you know about God and what is revealed in His word. Taking my confusion to Him in prayer He told me the sacrifice He desires is love.

God does not desire human sacrifice; God showed us that when He stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. The one and only sacrifice that mattered was for the removal of our sins and God Himself gave that; He gave Himself – He was the only One who could.

All of us in every generation live in a world that is broken by sin. Saul’s house was blood-stained, v. 1. The remainder of this chapter describes 4 separate wars with the Philistines, blood-stained all.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28.

Jesus came to heal not just bodies but hearts and minds. On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13.

In this broken world, then and now, we are the sick who need the mercy of God’s love sacrificed for us in every heart. But go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. What greater sacrifice is there than to love? But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8. His understanding no one can fathom. How can we understand so great a love? Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34. Thank You, Lord, for so great a love!