8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
8 I don't find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices Or your burnt offerings, Which are continually before Me.
8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
16 Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you.
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.
16 You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.
(Read Psalm 51:16-19)
Those who are thoroughly convinced of their misery and danger by sin, would spare no cost to obtain the remission of it. But as they cannot make satisfaction for sin, so God cannot take any satisfaction in them, otherwise than as expressing love and duty to him. The good work wrought in every true penitent, is a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, and sorrow for sin. It is a heart that is tender, and pliable to God's word. Oh that there were such a heart in every one of us! God is graciously pleased to accept this; it is instead of all burnt-offering and sacrifice. The broken heart is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ; there is no true repentance without faith in him. Men despise that which is broken, but God will not. He will not overlook it, he will not refuse or reject it; though it makes God no satisfaction for the wrong done to him by sin. Those who have been in spiritual troubles, know how to pity and pray for others afflicted in like manner. David was afraid lest his sin should bring judgements upon the city and kingdom. No personal fears or troubles of conscience can make the soul, which has received grace, careless about the interests of the church of God. And let this be the continued joy of all the redeemed, that they have redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
17 My sacrifice, O God, is
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
17 I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise.
17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, OÂ God.
(Read Psalm 51:16-19)
Those who are thoroughly convinced of their misery and danger by sin, would spare no cost to obtain the remission of it. But as they cannot make satisfaction for sin, so God cannot take any satisfaction in them, otherwise than as expressing love and duty to him. The good work wrought in every true penitent, is a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, and sorrow for sin. It is a heart that is tender, and pliable to God's word. Oh that there were such a heart in every one of us! God is graciously pleased to accept this; it is instead of all burnt-offering and sacrifice. The broken heart is acceptable to God only through Jesus Christ; there is no true repentance without faith in him. Men despise that which is broken, but God will not. He will not overlook it, he will not refuse or reject it; though it makes God no satisfaction for the wrong done to him by sin. Those who have been in spiritual troubles, know how to pity and pray for others afflicted in like manner. David was afraid lest his sin should bring judgements upon the city and kingdom. No personal fears or troubles of conscience can make the soul, which has received grace, careless about the interests of the church of God. And let this be the continued joy of all the redeemed, that they have redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 50:8
Commentary on Psalm 50:7-15
(Read Psalm 50:7-15)
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to love God and our neighbour better than all burnt-offerings. We are here warned not to rest in these performances. And let us beware of resting in any form. God demands the heart, and how can human inventions please him, when repentance, faith, and holiness are neglected? In the day of distress we must apply to the Lord by fervent prayer. Our troubles, though we see them coming from God's hand, must drive us to him, not drive us from him. We must acknowledge him in all our ways, depend upon his wisdom, power, and goodness, and refer ourselves wholly to him, and so give him glory. Thus must we keep up communion with God; meeting him with prayers under trials, and with praises in deliverances. A believing supplicant shall not only be graciously answered as to his petition, and so have cause for praising God, but shall also have grace to praise him.