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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 51:16
Commentary on Psalm 51:16-19
(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.