lectionary.com

Pentecost Season · Proper 5 · Year A

Hosea 5:15-6:6

Let Us Return to the Lord; I Desire Mercy

June 7, 2026

Woman before the Rising Sun, Caspar David Friedrich
Woman before the Rising Sun, Caspar David Friedrich, c. 1818Museum Folkwang, Essen
A woman standing with her back to us and her arms slightly open, facing a sun that has not yet cleared the hills.Let us press on to know the Lord; his appearing is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.Caspar David FriedrichFriedrich, who almost always painted the figure from behind so the viewer stands where she stands.Museum Folkwang, EssenThe Museum Folkwang, Essen.Museum Folkwang, Essen
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 9:9-13, 18-26Mt 9:9-13, 18-26
EpistleRom. 4:13-25Rom 4:13-25
Old TestamentGen. 12:1-9Gn 12:1-9Alt. OTHos. 5:15-6:6Hos 5:15-6:6
PsalterPs. 33:1-12Ps 33:1-12Alt. PsalmPs. 50:7-15Ps 50:7-15

Overview & Insights

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6:6)

Israel is called to return to the Lord who wounds and heals. God laments that their love is as fleeting as morning mist, and declares that he desires steadfast love and the knowledge of God more than sacrifice.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Hosea 5:15-6:6

Commentary

Commentary on Hosea 5:15-6:6Commentary on Hos 5:15-6:6 Working Preacher

Lectionary commentary on the call to return and God's desire for steadfast love.

Hosea 5 CommentaryHos 5 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes leading into the summons to return to the Lord.

Hosea 5:15 CommentariesHos 5:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries collected for God's withdrawal until Israel seeks him.

Hosea 5 CommentaryHos 5 Commentary Precept Austin

Precept Austin's commentary and resources on Hosea 5.

Background & Word Study

Hosea 5:15 InterlinearHos 5:15 Interlinear BibleHub

Hebrew text and word study for steadfast love (hesed) and knowledge of God.

Hosea 5 in HebrewHos 5 in Hebrew Sefaria

Hebrew and English with Jewish commentary for this prophetic summons.

Overview: HoseaOverview: Hos BibleProject

Animated overview of Hosea's message of covenant love and return.

The Church Fathers

Catena: Hosea 5Catena: Hos 5 Catena

Patristic comment on returning to the Lord who heals.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.