Hosea 6:6-11

6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

7 But they have transposed the covenant as of men: there they have rebelled against me.

8 Gilead is a city of those that work iniquity and is polluted with blood.

9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the council of priests murder in the way by common accord; for they put the abomination into effect.

10 I saw uncleanness in the house of Israel: there Ephraim played the harlot, Israel defiled herself.

11 Also, Judah placed a plant in thee when I had turned the captivity of my people.

Hosea 6:6-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA 6

This chapter gives an account of some who were truly penitent, and stirred up one another to return to the Lord, encouraged by his power, grace, and goodness, Ho 6:1-3; and of others, who had only a form of religion, were very unstable in it; regarded more the ceremonial law, and the external sacrifices of it, than the moral law; either that part of it which respects the love of the neighbour, or that which concerns the knowledge of God; and dealt treacherously with the Lord, transgressing the covenant, Ho 6:4-7; particularly the city of Gilead is represented as full of the workers of iniquity, and is charged with bloodshed, Ho 6:8; yea, even the priests were guilty of murder and lewdness, Ho 6:9; and Israel, or the ten tribes in general, are accused of whoredom, both corporeal and spiritual, with which they were defiled, Ho 6:10; nor was Judah clear of these crimes, and therefore a reckoning day is set for them, Ho 6:11.