Psalm 51:16

16 You are not happy with any sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one [to you]. You are not pleased with burnt offerings.

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 Rescue me from the guilt of murder, O God, my savior. Let my tongue sing joyfully about your righteousness!

15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will tell about your praise.

16 You are not happy with any sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one [to you]. You are not pleased with burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.

18 Favor Zion with your goodness. Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.