Matthew 9:13 to Hosea 6:6

NT Text: Matthew 9:13

OT Source(s):

• Hosea 6:6 (God's preference for mercy over sacrifice)

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Direct Quotation

Connection Method(s): Analogy

Significance: Jesus quotes Hosea to justify eating with tax collectors and sinners, showing the prophets' priority of mercy over ritual. The "not...but" construction is Hebraic comparative ("more than"), not absolute contrast - God desires both but prioritizes heart response over external ceremony. Prophets consistently emphasized covenant faithfulness over mere ritual observance. Jesus embodies this priority, demonstrating that the Messiah comes to call sinners to repentance, not to maintain distance from them.