I desired mercy, and not sacrifice— Or, Rather than sacrifice. See Matthew 9:13. I think the word חסד chesed, which we translate mercy, is used here in a comprehensive sense; signifying both piety towards God, and philanthropy, I can find no single word to answer to it, but charity. For charity, in the evangelical sense, is the love of man founded upon the love of God, and arising out of it.
Related Commentaries of Hosea 6:6
Hosea 6:6
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.