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Verse Takeaways
1
Heart Over Ritual
Commentators unanimously agree that this verse reveals a core truth of biblical faith: God values a sincere, repentant heart far more than external religious ceremonies. David understood that animal sacrifices, while part of the Law, were meaningless without genuine inner brokenness over sin. As Albert Barnes notes, this shows that under all dispensations, the true nature of religion is the same—it requires a pure heart.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
21
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 51:16
18th Century
Theologian
For thou desirest not sacrifice ... — On the words rendered in this verse “sacrifice” and “burnt-offering,” see the notes at Isaiah…
Charles Ellicott
On Psalms 51:16
19th Century
Bishop
Sacrifice. —The rabbinical commentators on this verse represent the penitence of David as having taken the place of the <…
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 51:15–16
19th Century
Preacher
And my mouth shall show forth your praise. For you desire no sacrifice; else would I give it:
"Whatever share is in the whole world …
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John Calvin
On Psalms 51:16
16th Century
Theologian
For thou wilt not accept a sacrifice. By this language, he expresses his confidence of obtaining pardon, although he brought nothing to Go…
John Gill
On Psalms 51:16
17th Century
Pastor
For you desire not sacrifice
Legal sacrifice; for there was no sacrifice appointed under the law for murder and adul…
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 51:16–19
17th Century
Minister
Those who are thoroughly convinced of their misery and danger by sin would spare no cost to obtain its remission. But as they cannot make satisfact…