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1 Samuel 15:22

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And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

And Samuel {H8050} said {H559}, Hath the LORD {H3068} as great delight {H2656} in burnt offerings {H5930} and sacrifices {H2077}, as in obeying {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}? Behold, to obey {H8085} is better {H2896} than sacrifice {H2077}, and to hearken {H7181} than the fat {H2459} of rams {H352}.

Sh'mu'el said, "Does ADONAI take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying what ADONAI says? Surely obeying is better than sacrifice, and heeding orders than the fat of rams.

But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.

And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Commentary

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Cross-References

  • Hosea 6:6 (408 votes)

    For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

  • Psalms 51:16 (364 votes)

    For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering.

  • Psalms 51:17 (364 votes)

    The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

  • Proverbs 21:3 (339 votes)

    ¶ To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

  • Amos 5:21 (294 votes)

    ¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.

  • Amos 5:24 (294 votes)

    But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

  • Mark 12:33 (283 votes)

    And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.