Psalm 51:17

17 (50-19) A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalm 51:17 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit
That is humbled under a sense of sin; has true repentance for it; is smitten, wounded, and broken with it, by the word of God in the hand of the Spirit, which is a hammer to break the rock in pieces; and that not merely in a legal, but in an evangelical way; grieving for sin as committed against a God of love; broken and melted down under a sense of it, in a view of pardoning grace; and mourning for it, while beholding a pierced and wounded Saviour: the sacrifices of such a broken heart and contrite spirit are the sacrifices God desires, approves, accepts of, and delights in;

a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise;
but regard, and receive with pleasure; see ( Psalms 102:17 ) ; the Lord binds up and heals such broken hearts and spirits, ( Psalms 147:3 ) ( Isaiah 61:1 ) ; he is nigh to such persons, looks upon them, has respect unto them, and comes and dwells among them, ( Psalms 34:18 ) ( Isaiah 66:1 Isaiah 66:2 ) ( 57:15 ) .

Psalm 51:17 In-Context

15 (50-17) O Lord, thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise.

16 (50-18) For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

17 (50-19) A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

18 (50-20) Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.

19 (50-21) Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings: then shall they lay calves upon thy altar.