For I desire loyalty and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God(A) rather than burnt offerings.(B)

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What should I bring before the Lord(A)
when I come to bow before God on high?
Should I come before Him with burnt offerings,(B)
with year-old calves?
Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams(C)
or with ten thousand streams of oil?
Should I give my firstborn for my transgression,(D)
the child of my body for my own sin?

Mankind, He has told you what is good(E)
and what it is the Lord requires of you:(F)
to act justly,(G)
to love faithfulness,(H)
and to walk humbly with your God.(I)

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If you had known what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice,(A)[a] you would not have condemned the innocent.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 12:7 Hs 6:6

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