COMMENTARY

Hosea 4:1-3, 5:15--6:6
Yahweh calls to his wicked people to return to him. Speaking to the northern kingdom in the eighth century B.C., Hosea describes the deplorable moral conditions in Israel. Because of this, Yahweh has "a bone to pick" with his people. Until they have a change of heart, Yahweh will return to heaven. In their distress of being without God, they decide to return to him. But apparently it was superficial. In despair Yahweh asks, "What shall I do with you?" They return by offering sacrifices, but Yahweh wants them to love him and to have a knowledge of him. Verse 6 was quoted by Jesus. (Matthew 9:13)

Exodus 32:7-14
Moses succeeds in persuading God not to destroy the Israelites for their sin.

1 Timothy 1:12-17
Christ came to save sinners, even the foremost, P…