Mercy, not sacrifice

Scriptures

Old Testament

1 Sam 15:22

Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to the LORD’s command? Obedience is better than sacrifice, to listen, better than the fat of rams.

Hosea 6:6

For it is loyalty that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Ps 50:8-15

⁸ Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
your burnt offerings are always before me.

⁹ I will not take a bullock from your house,
or he-goats from your folds.

¹⁰ For every animal of the forest is mine,
beasts by the thousands on my mountains.

¹¹ I know every bird in the heights;
whatever moves in the wild is mine.

¹² Were I hungry, I would not tell you,
for mine is the world and all that fills it.

¹³ Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of he-goats?

¹⁴ Offer praise as your sacrifice to God;
fulfill your vows to the Most High.

¹⁵ Then call on me on the day of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor me.”

Ps 51:18-19

¹⁸ For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.

¹⁹ My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.

New Testament

Mt 9:13

Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Mt 12:7

If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.