Psalm 51:16

16 You don't want sacrifices. If I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn't be pleased.

Psalm 51:16 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 51:16

For thou desirest not sacrifice
Legal sacrifice; for there was no sacrifice appointed under the law for murder and adultery;

else would I give [it];
he would gladly have offered it up;

thou delightest not in burnt offering;
at least such kind of sacrifices, though they were of divine appointment, and at that time in full force and use; yet they were not the only and principal sacrifices God desired and delighted in; nor were they at all acceptable to him without faith in Christ, and an humble sense of sin; and when offered in the best manner, yet spiritual obedience, acts of mercy, and sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, were more pleasing to him, ( 1 Samuel 15:15 1 Samuel 15:22 ) ( Hosea 6:6 ) ( Psalms 69:30 Psalms 69:31 ) ; wherefore the psalmist proposed to offer praise in ( Psalms 51:15 ) , and adds what follows.

Psalm 51:16 In-Context

14 Deliver me from violence, God, God of my salvation, so that my tongue can sing of your righteousness.

15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

16 You don't want sacrifices. If I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn't be pleased.

17 A broken spirit is my sacrifice, God. You won't despise a heart, God, that is broken and crushed.

18 Do good things for Zion by your favor. Rebuild Jerusalem's walls.