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The Hebrew Bible appears to make it clear that God does not need or want human sacrifice, as shown in the story of Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14). The prophets indicate that the Lord prefers obedience to sacrifices. For example: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Surely to obey is better than sacrifice….” (Samuel 15:22) “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord: I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who asked this from your hand?” (Isaiah 1:11-12) “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6). “….and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Despite what God says animal sacrifices exist throughout the times of the New Testament. Mary and Joseph take Jesus and go to Jerusalem for purification, according to the laws of Leviticus (12:2- 8). “….offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the