God Laments Fleeting Loyalty

Hosea 6:4-6

What shall I do to thee, O Ephraim? what shall I do to thee, O Juda? your mercy is as a morning cloud, and as the dew that goeth away in the morning.

For this reason have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments shall go forth as the light.

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than holocausts.