Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Character of saints » Poor in spirit
Blessed (Greek: makarios: happy, blessed) are those conscious of their spiritual need, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Consecration » Personal
I request (urge) (implore) you brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Verse Concepts
Acceptance, From GodGiving, Of OneselfAbundant LifeAcceptance, divineCoolPersonal ConsecrationFalse Worshipethics, incentives towardsencouragement, examples ofAcceptance, Of WorshipDevotion To GodSurrenderingDedication In NtAromasBodyGrowthHoliness Of The SaintsHoliness, Purpose OfHonorMercy, Response To God'sMind, Of GodPleasing GodPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesResponseSacrifice, Nt Fulfilment OfSanctification, Nature And Basis
Self DenialServanthood, And Worship Of GodTypesWork, And RedemptionWorship, Acceptable AttitudesBeing DevoutOfferings, FigurativeSpiritual Life, Described ByThe Human BodyMan's Conduct Towards GodDrugs, Illegal NarcoticsUnworldlinessEnthusiasmProvision For The BodyThat Which Is SpiritualAltarsHow To Worship GodLiving OnRight SacrificesEating DisordersServiceSurrenderSacrificeCall To ActiontransitionChristians Being Called Brothers
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient servants you are his (voluntary) servants because you obey him? This could be obedience to sin with death in view or obedience to righteousness with holiness in view?
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
This is not as we hoped. First they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. A man found the treasure and hid it again in the field. He is so filled with joy he sells everything he owns and buys the field. The kingdom of heaven is also like a merchant seeking valuable pearls. When he found one pearl of great value, he sold all that he had, and bought it.
Also do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness. Present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness for God.
I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. You once presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to sin. Now you present your members as servants to righteousness and sanctification (purification) (holiness).
Consolation under Affliction » To those who mourn for sin
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, because Jehovah has anointed me to announce good news to the lowly and meek. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.
Verse Concepts
Freedom, Through Jesus ChristBrokennessBrokenheartedBreath Of GodAnointing, Of ChristAnointing With OilBlindness, HealingsdiscouragementGospel, Descriptions OfPoverty, Remedies ForPower, HumanPoverty, SpiritualPrisonersRescueSuffering, Encouragements InSymbolsAfflictions, Consolation DuringHoly Spirit, Types OfProphecies Concerning ChristNames And Titles For The Holy SpiritBindingCaptivity, Metaphorically
The Spirit Of GodThe Anointed OneMessianic PropheciesSpirit Of ChristGood TidingsThe Spirit Of The LordThe Holy Spirit Described As OilThe Sealing Of The Holy SpiritGod's Help In DiscouragementGood NewsGod Freeing CaptivesGod Healing SorrowChristian LibertyGod's Healing LoveFreedomHealing A Broken HeartHealing And ComfortRecoveryA Broken HeartBroken Heartsheartbroken
Come now, let us reason together (make things right) (correct matters) between us! Says Jehovah. Though your sins are like scarlet, they will become as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they will become as white as wool.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Who is a God like you who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? You do not keep your anger forever, because you delight in loving-kindness (unchanging love). You will again have compassion on us. You will tread our iniquities under foot. You will throw all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Contrition » Promises to those who come in contrition
The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy, says: 'I dwell in the high and holy and also with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. I revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones.'
Verse Concepts
God, Living And Self sustainingGod, Holiness OfFellowship, With GodBrokennessRestoration After BackslidingGod, Present EverywhereGuidance, Receiving God'sHeart, And Holy SpiritHeaven, Nature OfHousesHumilityPoverty, SpiritualPrayer, Advice For EffectiveRepentance, Nature OfRevival, Nature OfRevival, Personal
I have made all these things. That is why all these things have come into being, declares Jehovah. I will pay attention to those who are humble and sorry for their sins and who tremble at my word.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah is near to those whose hearts and minds are humble and contrite. He saves the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.
Verse Concepts
Rip apart your heart, and not your garments. Turn to Jehovah your God! He is gracious and merciful. He is slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will turn back from doing harm.
I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of kindness and of supplication. They will look to the one whom they pierced; and they will mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son. There will be a bitter lamentation for him, like one who grieves for his first-born.
For godly sorrow works repentance leading to salvation. This is a repentance that brings no regret: but the sorrow of the world works death.
Formalism » The insufficiency of
Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil.
Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God.
You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
For the kingdom of God is not food and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better.
God's Promises » Special promises to children, examples of » To the contrite
The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy, says: 'I dwell in the high and holy and also with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. I revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones.'
Verse Concepts
God, Living And Self sustainingGod, Holiness OfFellowship, With GodBrokennessRestoration After BackslidingGod, Present EverywhereGuidance, Receiving God'sHeart, And Holy SpiritHeaven, Nature OfHousesHumilityPoverty, SpiritualPrayer, Advice For EffectiveRepentance, Nature OfRevival, Nature OfRevival, Personal
I have made all these things. That is why all these things have come into being, declares Jehovah. I will pay attention to those who are humble and sorry for their sins and who tremble at my word.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah is near to those whose hearts and minds are humble and contrite. He saves the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.
Verse Concepts
Rip apart your heart, and not your garments. Turn to Jehovah your God! He is gracious and merciful. He is slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will turn back from doing harm.
I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of kindness and of supplication. They will look to the one whom they pierced; and they will mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son. There will be a bitter lamentation for him, like one who grieves for his first-born.
For godly sorrow works repentance leading to salvation. This is a repentance that brings no regret: but the sorrow of the world works death.
Heart » Renewed » Repentant
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
If you and your children return to Jehovah your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your being, doing everything I command you today,
Jehovah is near to those whose hearts and minds are humble and contrite. He saves the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.
Verse Concepts
character of the renewed Heart » Broken, contrite
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah is near to those whose hearts and minds are humble and contrite. He saves the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.
Verse Concepts
The Heart » When broken and contrite, not despised by God
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Homicide » David's repentance for, and confession of, the murder of uriah
([[Psalm of David] when the prophet Nathan came to him after David's adultery with Bathsheba:]) Have mercy on me, O God, in keeping with your loving-kindness. According to your unlimited compassion, wipe out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my perversity (iniquity) (guilt), and cleanse me from my sin. I admit my transgressions. My sin is always in front of me. read more.
I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil in your sight. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge. Indeed, I was born in perversity (mischief) (evil). I was a sinner when my mother conceived me. Yet, you desire truth from the secret person within me. Deep down inside me teach me wisdom. Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face (turn away) from my sins, and wipe out (erase) all that I have done wrong. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (dependable) spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and establish a willing spirit in me. I will teach your ways to transgressors, and sinners will turn to you. Rescue (deliver) me from the bloodguilt of murder O God of my salvation. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness! O Jehovah, open my lips (help me speak), and my mouth will speak your praise. You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil in your sight. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge. Indeed, I was born in perversity (mischief) (evil). I was a sinner when my mother conceived me. Yet, you desire truth from the secret person within me. Deep down inside me teach me wisdom. Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face (turn away) from my sins, and wipe out (erase) all that I have done wrong. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (dependable) spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and establish a willing spirit in me. I will teach your ways to transgressors, and sinners will turn to you. Rescue (deliver) me from the bloodguilt of murder O God of my salvation. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness! O Jehovah, open my lips (help me speak), and my mouth will speak your praise. You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Offerings » Useless when not accompanied by genuine piety
You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering. You have opened my ears. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
Thus says Jehovah of Hosts, the God of Israel: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat flesh. For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. I gave them this command: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. You will walk in all the way that I command you that it may be well with you.'
Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.
To love him with all the heart, and with all understanding, and with total strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
What purpose does frankincense come to me from Sheba and the sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable and your sacrifices are not pleasing to me.
Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person. Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog's neck. Whoever offers a grain sacrifice is like someone who offers pig's blood. Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol. People have certainly chosen their own ways, and they delight in detestable things.
They offer sacrifices to me and eat the meat of sacrifices, but I, Jehovah, do not accept these sacrifices. Now I will remember their wickedness and punish them because of their sins. They will go back to Egypt.
Even if they go without food, I will not listen to their cries for help. Even if they sacrifice burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not be pleased with them. But I will destroy these people with wars, famines, and plagues.
You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
To practice righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.
I do not reprove you for your sacrifices or burnt offerings, which are constantly (always) in front of me. But I will not accept another young bull from your household or a single male goat from your pens. Every living thing in the forest, even the cattle on a thousand hills, is mine. read more.
I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and all that it contains are mine. Do I eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of male goats? Bring your thanks to God as a sacrifice, and pay (make good) your vows to the Most High.
I know every bird in the mountains. Everything that moves in the fields is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and all that it contains are mine. Do I eat the meat of bulls or drink the blood of male goats? Bring your thanks to God as a sacrifice, and pay (make good) your vows to the Most High.
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination! How much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?
Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. Who requires you to trample on my courtyards when you appear in my presence? Do not bring any more worthless grain offerings. Your incense is disgusting to me! So are your New Moon Festivals, your days of worship, and the assemblies you call. I cannot endure your evil assemblies! read more.
I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They are a burden to me. I am tired of putting up with them.
I hate your New Moon Festivals and your appointed festivals. They are a burden to me. I am tired of putting up with them.
I hate, I despise (reject) your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Yes, even if you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them. Neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take the noise of your songs away from me! I will not listen to the melody of your harps. read more.
Justice should roll down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Justice should roll down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.
With what shall I come before Jehovah? Shall I bow down before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with year old calves? Will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for my sin? He told you, O lowly man, what is good and what Jehovah requires of you. You should display justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God!
Offerings » Withheld see offerings; withheld » Insufficient to secure salvation
This is a symbol that points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect,
You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering. You have opened my ears. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.
You should learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'; for I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners.
If you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Offerings » Figurative
I request (urge) (implore) you brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Verse Concepts
Acceptance, From GodGiving, Of OneselfAbundant LifeAcceptance, divineCoolPersonal ConsecrationFalse Worshipethics, incentives towardsencouragement, examples ofAcceptance, Of WorshipDevotion To GodSurrenderingDedication In NtAromasBodyGrowthHoliness Of The SaintsHoliness, Purpose OfHonorMercy, Response To God'sMind, Of GodPleasing GodPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesResponseSacrifice, Nt Fulfilment OfSanctification, Nature And Basis
Self DenialServanthood, And Worship Of GodTypesWork, And RedemptionWorship, Acceptable AttitudesBeing DevoutOfferings, FigurativeSpiritual Life, Described ByThe Human BodyMan's Conduct Towards GodDrugs, Illegal NarcoticsUnworldlinessEnthusiasmProvision For The BodyThat Which Is SpiritualAltarsHow To Worship GodLiving OnRight SacrificesEating DisordersServiceSurrenderSacrificeCall To ActiontransitionChristians Being Called Brothers
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Yes, you will hear the sounds of joy and happiness and the sounds of brides and grooms. You will hear those who bring thank offerings to Jehovah's Temple.' 'They will say: Give thanks to Jehovah of Hosts because Jehovah is good, because his mercy endures forever. I will restore the prosperity of the land to what they were before,' says Jehovah.
I have all things, and prosper: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you. It is an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
Let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God through him [Jesus], that is, the fruit of lips that make confession (give thanks and offer praise) to his name.
Verse Concepts
The Lips Of The RighteousAcceptance, Of WorshipAcceptance, divineAttitudes Of PraiseLipsPraise, Manner And Methods OfPrayer, As Praise And ThanksgivingPriesthood, In NtPriests, Tasks In Nt TimesSpeech, Positive Aspects OfTributesWorship, Elements OfOfferings, FigurativePraisePraise, Nature OfThanksgiving, Offered
Prayer » Penitential » Of david
([[Psalm of David] when the prophet Nathan came to him after David's adultery with Bathsheba:]) Have mercy on me, O God, in keeping with your loving-kindness. According to your unlimited compassion, wipe out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my perversity (iniquity) (guilt), and cleanse me from my sin. I admit my transgressions. My sin is always in front of me. read more.
I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil in your sight. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge. Indeed, I was born in perversity (mischief) (evil). I was a sinner when my mother conceived me. Yet, you desire truth from the secret person within me. Deep down inside me teach me wisdom. Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face (turn away) from my sins, and wipe out (erase) all that I have done wrong. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (dependable) spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and establish a willing spirit in me. I will teach your ways to transgressors, and sinners will turn to you. Rescue (deliver) me from the bloodguilt of murder O God of my salvation. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness! O Jehovah, open my lips (help me speak), and my mouth will speak your praise. You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
I have sinned against you, especially you. I have done what you consider evil in your sight. So you hand down justice when you speak, and you are blameless when you judge. Indeed, I was born in perversity (mischief) (evil). I was a sinner when my mother conceived me. Yet, you desire truth from the secret person within me. Deep down inside me teach me wisdom. Purify me from sin with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear sounds of joy and gladness. Let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face (turn away) from my sins, and wipe out (erase) all that I have done wrong. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (dependable) spirit within me. Do not force me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and establish a willing spirit in me. I will teach your ways to transgressors, and sinners will turn to you. Rescue (deliver) me from the bloodguilt of murder O God of my salvation. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness! O Jehovah, open my lips (help me speak), and my mouth will speak your praise. You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Religion » Formalism » The insufficiency of
Guard your step when you go to the house of God. It is better to go there and listen than to bring the sacrifices fools bring. Fools are not aware that they do evil.
Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time comes to change them for something better.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. Obey the commandments of God.
You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
For the kingdom of God is not food and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
But food will not recommend us to God. If we do not eat we are not worse. If we eat we are not better.
Returning to God » Promises to those who come in contrition
The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is holy, says: 'I dwell in the high and holy and also with him who has a contrite and humble spirit. I revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones.'
Verse Concepts
God, Living And Self sustainingGod, Holiness OfFellowship, With GodBrokennessRestoration After BackslidingGod, Present EverywhereGuidance, Receiving God'sHeart, And Holy SpiritHeaven, Nature OfHousesHumilityPoverty, SpiritualPrayer, Advice For EffectiveRepentance, Nature OfRevival, Nature OfRevival, Personal
I have made all these things. That is why all these things have come into being, declares Jehovah. I will pay attention to those who are humble and sorry for their sins and who tremble at my word.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah is near to those whose hearts and minds are humble and contrite. He saves the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.
Verse Concepts
Rip apart your heart, and not your garments. Turn to Jehovah your God! He is gracious and merciful. He is slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will turn back from doing harm.
I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of kindness and of supplication. They will look to the one whom they pierced; and they will mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son. There will be a bitter lamentation for him, like one who grieves for his first-born.
For godly sorrow works repentance leading to salvation. This is a repentance that brings no regret: but the sorrow of the world works death.
Sacrifices » Insufficient to secure salvation
This is a symbol that points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect,
You have not desired sacrifice and meal offering. You have opened my ears. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams.
I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
You do not desire sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one to you. You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.
Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.
You should learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'; for I came, not to call the righteous, but sinners.
If you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.
Sacrifices » Illustrative of » A broken spirit
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.