4 "O Israel6:4 Hebrew Ephraim, referring to the northern kingdom of Israel. and Judah,
what should I do with you?" asks the Lord.
"For your love vanishes like the morning mist
and disappears like dew in the sunlight.
6 I want you to show love,6:6a Greek version translates this Hebrew term as to show mercy. Compare Matt 9:13; 12:7.
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me6:6b Hebrew to know God.
more than I want burnt offerings.