Did God Command Sacrifices or Value Obedience More?
In this article, you will learn how Jeremiah 7:22 contradicts Exodus 20:24, Leviticus 1:2-3, Numbers 28:2, Deuteronomy 12:11 and 1 Samuel 15:22. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents an intriguing puzzle when it comes to understanding God's instructions on sacrifices. On one hand, Jeremiah 7:22 suggests that when God liberated the Israelites from Egypt, His primary focus wasn't on ritual sacrifices but on their obedience and righteousness. This implies a relational focus, rather than a ritualistic one.
However, several other passages in the Bible seem to present a different picture. For instance, Exodus 20:24 instructs the Israelites to build an altar for offering burnt sacrifices, indicating that God directed them to perform these rituals. Similarly, Leviticus 1:2-3 offers detailed instructions on how to present burnt offerings, establishing a prescriptive command for sacrifices. Numbers 28:2 further emphasizes the importance of sacrifices by setting specific times for these offerings, suggesting a structured form of worship.
Deuteronomy 12:11 specifies where such offerings should be made, reinforcing the idea that God had indeed spoken about sacrifices. Yet, 1 Samuel 15:22 brings a curious twist to the narrative by stating that obedience is better than sacrifice, which aligns more closely with Jeremiah's emphasis on listening and doing what is right.
These apparent contradictions can be likened to a person who tells their children that doing chores is important, but later claims that building character through kindness and integrity is the ultimate goal. The actions are complementary but may seem contradictory at first glance.
This dichotomy raises an essential question: Was God initially focused on sacrifices as a form of obedience, or have the Israelites—and perhaps us as readers—misunderstood His intentions? The deeper message might be that while sacrifices were an established practice, they were not the end goal; rather, they were a means to cultivate a deeper, more obedient relationship with God.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Jeremiah 7:22 | For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: [concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of] |
| 2. | Exodus 20:24 | An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. |
| 3. | Leviticus 1:2-3 | Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, [even] of the herd, and of the flock. |
| 4. | Numbers 28:2 | Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, [and] my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, [for] a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of my rest] |
| 5. | Deuteronomy 12:11 | Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD: [your choice...: Heb. the choice of your vows] |
| 6. | 1 Samuel 15:22 | 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. |